Iran requests return of seized tankers as India seeks safe passage through Hormuz

Tehran — Iran has called on India to release three tankers seized earlier this year, as part of ongoing discussions regarding the secure passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, familiar with the matter.

Three sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters that the tankers, which are linked to Iran, were detained by Indian authorities near Indian waters in February. The vessels were reportedly seized on allegations that they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in unauthorized ship-to-ship transfers at sea.

As part of the talks, Tehran has also requested supplies of certain medicines and medical equipment, one of the sources, identified as an Iranian official, stated. The discussions included a meeting on Monday between Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi and officials from India’s foreign ministry, according to the same source.

The sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, noted that Iran’s request for the return of the tankers comes as India seeks assurances for the safe passage of its vessels through the Gulf region, particularly via the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is a vital route for global energy shipments.

In a recent development, Iran permitted two Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers to transit the area, the sources said. However, it remains unclear if any agreement has been reached regarding the release of the seized Iranian-linked tankers or the supply of medical items requested by Tehran.

When contacted by Reuters, India’s foreign ministry, the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, and Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately provide a response.

The situation underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries amid heightened tensions in the region and concerns over maritime security in the Gulf.