Nearly three months after the Strait of Hormuz came under blockade, India has managed to keep its ships moving through one of the world's most important energy corridors. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries almost 20 percent of global oil and natural gas shipments, making it critical for international energy supplies.

The blockade has disrupted global energy markets and pushed fuel prices higher. Although active fighting ended after the April 9 ceasefire between Iran and the United States, shipping activity through the Strait remains far below normal levels.

Despite the risks and uncertainty, Indian-linked vessels have continued to sail through the region, helping the country secure essential energy supplies while many international shipping companies have reduced or suspended operations.

Hormuz Remains Crucial for Global Energy Trade

The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world's busiest maritime routes. Since the conflict between Iran and the US escalated earlier this year, vessel movement through the corridor has faced major disruptions.

Iran's strategic position along the Strait has given it significant influence over maritime traffic. Following the conflict, many global shipping operators chose to avoid the route due to concerns about safety and the possibility of further escalation.

However, India continued to use the passage to maintain the flow of critical imports, particularly oil, gas, and other essential commodities.

Government Coordinates Ship Movement Carefully

During an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways explained how India has managed to continue maritime operations through the high-risk region.

While officials declined to reveal specific operational details, they confirmed that the government has maintained close coordination with various agencies.

"In terms of how we coordinate with India, Iran, how do we decide the priority, I would not like to tell you how we coordinate for obvious reasons. So we coordinate through MEA, and that is where we are," said Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director (Shipping) at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The Ministry of External Affairs plays a key role in facilitating communication and coordination related to vessel movement.

Energy and Fertiliser Needs Determine Priorities

According to Sharma, the government decides shipping priorities in consultation with ministries responsible for critical sectors.

"In terms of priority, it is decided in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Fertilisers. Based on those priorities, a coordinated plan is prepared through which we try to get the ships out," he added.

This coordinated approach helps ensure that shipments carrying essential commodities receive priority passage through the region.

Thirteen Indian Vessels Currently Operating in the Region

Despite the ongoing challenges, India continues to maintain a significant maritime presence around the Strait of Hormuz.

Sharma said there are currently 13 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the area. These include:

• One LPG tanker
• Five crude oil tankers
• One chemical or product tanker
• Three container ships
• Two bulk carriers
• One dredger

The continued movement of these vessels highlights India's efforts to secure its trade and energy requirements despite regional instability.

Global Shipping Faces Continued Disruptions

Since Iran's response to the February 28 US-Israeli strikes that triggered the conflict, ship traffic through the Strait has slowed considerably.

Many international shipping companies remain cautious and continue to avoid the route because of security concerns. As a result, maritime traffic has not fully recovered even after the ceasefire.

Nevertheless, India remains among the countries with the largest number of vessels transiting through the Strait, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining critical supply chains.

India Balances Risk and Energy Security

The continued operation of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz reflects the country's focus on protecting its energy security and trade interests.

While global shipping operators remain wary of the situation, India's coordinated strategy involving diplomatic channels and key ministries has allowed it to sustain maritime traffic through one of the world's most sensitive waterways.

As uncertainty persists in the region, the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital route for India's energy imports and international trade.