The increasing tension in West Asia is now taking the form of a major global energy crisis. Iran’s standoff with the US and its allies has almost closed a waterway on which the world’s crude oil supply largely depends. Since the US attacks in early March, Iran has imposed an undeclared blockade on trade traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Due to this, there has been a fear of oil prices rising all over the world, which can have a direct impact on the pocket and petrol-diesel bills of a common citizen. But in the midst of this terrible global crisis, India has demonstrated its brilliant diplomatic strength, which proves India’s growing strength on the global stage.
Victory of India’s diplomatic dominance
The Strait of Hormuz is not a common sea route. About one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and gas passes through here. Iran has made it clear that this waterway is open to everyone except America and its allies, but due to the increasing risk of attacks, there has been a huge decline in the movement of ships here. According to the Associated Press, only 90 ships have passed through this route between March 1 and 15. Many powerful countries of the world are yearning to use this route, but India’s status seems different here. Two Indian LPG tankers have been allowed by Iranian authorities to pass safely towards the ports of Western India. This is the result of India’s strong foreign policy, which knows how to ensure the energy security of the country even in adverse circumstances.
Iran gave ‘VIP’ entry
When big countries of the world were looking for diplomatic ways to get their ships out, India communicated directly at the top level. After the important conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian on March 12, the situation became clear in India’s favor. At that time 24 ships were stranded in the western part of Hormuz. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, and Mohammad Fatahali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, have also separately confirmed that Indian ships are being allowed to pass easily. The latest report from Reuters suggests that two more Indian LPG tankers named ‘Pine Gas’ and ‘Jag Vasant’ are preparing to pass through this route. Presently they are anchored near Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
These countries also got relief
According to Al Jazeera’s report, in this time of crisis, Iran is allowing ships to pass on a case-by-case basis. The 90 ships that passed through this waterway between March 1 and 15 included ships belonging to Iran and mainly ships flagged by India, China and Pakistan. China has also got a ‘green signal’ to pass through this route. At the same time, a Pakistani oil tanker named ‘Karachi’ also successfully crossed this waterway on March 15. Turkey too, after much effort, could get permission to evacuate only one of its 15 ships.
Japan, France and Italy are also appealing
This tough attitude of Iran has worried even the developed countries of the world. Even an economically prosperous country like Japan is now in talks with Iran to remove its ships. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told Japanese news agency Kyodo that he is in talks with Tokyo. Not only Japan, but countries like South Korea, France and Italy are also in constant touch with Iran, so that the path of Hormuz can be opened for them to avoid the energy crisis.
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