Second Indian LPG Tanker ‘Nanda Devi’ Safely Crosses Strait of Hormuz After ‘Shivalik’

New Delhi: India’s second LPG carrier, ‘Nanda Devi’, has safely passed through the crucial Strait of Hormuz shortly after the Indian-flagged tanker ‘Shivalik’, following Iran’s decision to allow Indian vessels safe transit amid rising tensions linked to the ongoing US–Israel–Iran tensions in West Asia.

According to government sources, Shivalik has already crossed the strategic waterway and entered open sea. The vessel is currently being escorted by the Indian Navy and is expected to reach an Indian port within the next two days, with Mumbai or Kandla likely destinations.

Meanwhile, Nanda Devi, carrying more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—a key component of India’s energy supply chain—has also successfully exited the Strait. Officials said both vessels are being closely monitored and guided by naval assets to ensure safe movement through the sensitive maritime corridor.

The development comes after a high-level conversation between Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian, during which the leaders discussed ensuring the continued movement of goods and energy supplies.

Earlier, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, hinted that Indian ships could soon be granted safe passage through the Strait despite escalating tensions in the Middle East that had disrupted maritime traffic.

“India is our friend, and you will see this in the coming hours,” Fathali said, highlighting the shared regional interests between the two countries. He also noted that India had supported Iran in several areas after the conflict.

His remarks came a day after Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that Tehran had permitted ships from select countries to transit the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, handling nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas exports.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region, and authorities are closely monitoring their safety.

Of these, 24 vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships with 101 Indian crew members are positioned east of the waterway.

With inputs from IANS