Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, are now edging through the Strait of Hormuz amid intensifying conflict in West Asia. Laden with nearly 92,600 tonnes of LPG—about a day’s cooking-gas requirement for India—the vessels are sailing in close succession along the Iranian coastline, a tactical choice to reduce exposure to hostilities. Their voyage follows a near standstill in maritime traffic since the conflict erupted on February 28, stranding hundreds of ships and disrupting insurance and logistics networks. As they move toward Indian ports, these ships embody both vulnerability and resilience in India’s energy supply chain.
India Steps Up Global Engagement Amid Supply Concerns
The current transit builds on a recent diplomatic success. India had earlier secured safe passage for LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi through direct engagement with Tehran, demonstrating the effectiveness of quiet, targeted diplomacy. With nearly two dozen Indian-flagged vessels initially trapped in the region, New Delhi has prioritised creating selective corridors for energy shipments while safeguarding its seafarers and commercial fleet.
Beyond immediate crisis management, India has broadened its global engagement. Coordination with Gulf nations has intensified, reflecting the country’s reliance on the region for energy imports and the presence of over seven million Indian nationals. The government’s ₹497-crore relief package for exporters—announced on March 20—signals recognition of the wider economic ripple effects, from rising freight costs to disrupted supply chains. Simultaneously, India is recalibrating procurement strategies, exploring route diversification and supply flexibility to hedge against prolonged instability in one of the world’s most vital energy choke-points.
Risks and Security Measures in Strait of Hormuz Transit
Transiting the Strait today involves navigating a layered threat environment. Direct attacks—ranging from drones to missiles—have already damaged commercial vessels, causing casualties and heightening uncertainty. Iranian-linked warnings of a potential closure add unpredictability, while a “selective blockade” approach introduces legal ambiguity, allowing only vetted or “friendly” ships to pass.
The economic dimension is equally severe. War-risk insurance premiums have surged, and some insurers have withdrawn coverage altogether, forcing costly rerouting via longer maritime paths. This not only delays shipments but also tightens global tanker availability.
To mitigate these risks, India and other maritime actors are deploying a mix of operational and strategic safeguards. The Indian Navy’s Operation Sankalp continues to provide escort and surveillance support, reinforcing deterrence. Onboard, vessels are conducting enhanced security drills, testing alert systems, and preparing for worst-case scenarios. Tactical navigation—such as hugging coastlines or executing rapid transits—has become common, though it carries its own legal and safety trade-offs.
Diplomatically, India is part of a broader pattern of engagement where countries seek pre-approved passage from Iran for critical shipments. This layered approach—combining naval presence, regulatory vigilance, and backchannel diplomacy—reflects an adaptive strategy to sustain energy flows in a war like environment.
Balancing Risk, Diplomacy, and Energy Security
The passage of Jag Vasant and Pine Gas is more than a logistical operation—it is a strategic balancing act. India must secure its energy lifelines without becoming entangled in geopolitical alignments, particularly as Western powers harden their stance against Iran. By blending diplomacy, naval capability, and economic cushioning, New Delhi is crafting a pragmatic response to an evolving crisis. Yet, the fragility of the Hormuz corridor underscores a larger truth: in an interconnected energy landscape, resilience depends not just on supply, but on the agility to navigate uncertainty itself.
(With agency inputs)
