The Indian oil tanker ‘Desh Garima’ has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached India. The ship is carrying a large quantity of crude oil and is currently at anchor in the sea, a few nautical miles from the Mumbai coast. This Indian-flagged tanker, which departed from Hormuz on April 18, passed through the area at a time when tensions remained high in the region.
According to reports, despite incidents of firing by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, the ship continued along its designated route and successfully reached India safely. A total of 31 Indian sailors are on board the ship, and news of their safe return has brought great relief. The arrival of this tanker has also somewhat alleviated concerns regarding fuel supply in the country.
Amid the ongoing tension in the Gulf region since March, ‘Desh Garima’ is the tenth Indian ship to have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. India has consistently expressed its concern regarding the safety of ships passing through this critical maritime route. India has also appealed to Iran to ensure a safe passage for Indian vessels.
The importance of the Strait of Hormuz is significant in terms of oil supply, and any kind of tension in this region has a global impact. In such a situation, the safe arrival of ‘Desh Garima’ is not only important from the perspective of maritime security but also provides relief on the energy supply front.
India and Iran have traditionally shared good relations, and both countries have supported each other even in difficult circumstances. This is why efforts are being made to handle the situation through cooperation and coordination even in the current scenario.
Amid the tension prevailing in the Gulf region since March, another Indian ship, ‘Desh Garima’, has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached India. It is reported to be the tenth Indian ship to safely cross this vital maritime route during this period.
India has consistently emphasized the need to ensure the safety of merchant vessels and the sailors on board. In this context, India has also urged Iran to provide a safe and uninterrupted passage for Indian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the ongoing tension in this sensitive region, efforts to maintain dialogue and cooperation between India and Iran are also continuing. The relations between the two countries have been historically cooperative, especially in the fields of energy and trade.
Meanwhile, concerns regarding security on the maritime route have been raised before. Recently, information surfaced that two other Indian ships—VLCC Sanmar Herald and bulk carrier Jag Arnav—faced difficulties while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. It was reported that firing was opened on these ships by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), after which both ships had to turn back. However, it was a matter of relief that no crew members were injured.
This incident occurred at a time when tensions in the region escalated following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Amidst this conflict, it was the first time an Indian ship directly faced such a situation, to which India took serious note and registered its objection.
