"Two Gas Carriers Passed Safely": India Resolves Hormuz Blockade Through Dialogue

On March 14, Two Indian Gas Carriers Passed Through Strait
Interview with India’s Foreign Minister
"Willing to Share Negotiation Approach with Iran, If Desired"

India, which successfully ensured the safe passage of two gas carriers through the Strait of Hormuz by engaging in negotiations with Iran despite the blockade, emphasized the achievements of diplomacy—such as rational persuasion and coordination—in an interview with foreign media.

Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar delivering a speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, last September. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, said in an interview with the Financial Times (FT) on the 15th (local time), "Two India-flagged gas carriers were able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "This is a case in which negotiations between the governments of India and Iran have produced results that can be achieved through diplomacy."

On the 14th, Indian port authorities announced, "Two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers belonging to Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz early this morning and are now en route to India," and added, "They are expected to arrive at Indian ports on the 16th and 17th respectively."

Minister Jaishankar stated, "We are continuing dialogue with the Iranian side," and added, "If there are more positive outcomes, we will continue to consider this approach." He further commented, "From India's perspective, it is better to resolve issues through rational persuasion and coordination," and said, "If other countries can also engage in dialogue with Iran, it will have a positive impact on the international situation."

Last week, international oil prices surpassed 100 dollars per barrel (approximately 149,900 won) for the first time since August 2022. In the market, expectations are high that oil prices will continue to rise as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments pass—prolongs due to the war with Iran. Previously, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, stated that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would continue. Among European countries, France and Italy are known to have started discussions with the Iranian government. On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a media interview, "We are open to countries that wish to discuss the safe passage of their vessels."

When asked whether other countries could also engage in dialogue with Iran in the same way as India, Minister Jaishankar responded, "Every bilateral relationship is based on its own unique character and values," adding, "It is very difficult to compare the relationship between India and Iran with those of other countries."

He also stated, "If European countries wish, India is willing to share the approach we are pursuing," and added, "I understand that many European countries are already holding talks with the Iranian side."

However, Minister Jaishankar explained, "There is no comprehensive agreement with Iran regarding India-flagged vessels; instead, the movement of each individual ship is discussed on a case-by-case basis."

He also refuted allegations that the Indian government provided compensation to Iran, stating, "The long-standing history of exchanges between the two countries served as the foundation for this negotiation," and emphasized, "This was not a transactional exchange of something for something else."

He concluded by saying, "This is still an early stage, and there are many vessels waiting to pass through locally," and added, "While the resumption of passage is a welcome development, there are still many issues to be resolved, so we will continue the dialogue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.