By Manoj Srivastava
Lucknow: Amid global tensions and disruptions in energy supply routes, several Indian-flagged oil and gas tankers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the continuity of India’s energy supply. Supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi describe this as an example of decisive diplomacy and crisis management—what they term “Modism”.
At a time when global instability has raised fears of fuel shortages, critics argue that if petrol, diesel and gas supplies had collapsed in India due to international developments, political unrest could have intensified domestically. They also question the timing of opposition protests against the central government when many countries are facing similar geopolitical challenges and are focusing on managing the crisis collectively.
Amid these circumstances, an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker ‘Jag Ladki’ carrying about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil has safely departed from the Fujairah oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates and is heading toward India. Reports indicate that the tanker loaded crude oil and sailed safely despite an attack near the terminal. All Indian crew members on board are reported to be safe.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is expected to import additional diesel from India. According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) General Manager (Commercial and Operations) Mohammad Murshid Hossain Azad, around 5,000 tonnes of diesel has already reached Bangladesh from India, and another 5,000 tonnes is expected around 18–19 March. Bangladesh has also received a proposal to import an additional 40,000 tonnes of diesel, which could reach the country by April once procedural formalities such as opening letters of credit are completed.
The safe departure of ‘Jag Ladki’ from Fujairah is being seen as significant because of heightened tensions in West Asia and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor. Earlier, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers—‘Shivalik’ and ‘Nanda Devi’—also successfully crossed the conflict-affected strait carrying around 92,712 tonnes of LPG.
The vessel ‘Shivalik’ is expected to arrive at Mundra Port in Gujarat on 16 March, while ‘Nanda Devi’ is scheduled to reach Kandla Port on 17 March. Both ships were among 24 vessels that had been stuck in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict began.
Another Indian-flagged tanker, ‘Jag Prakash’, which had been stranded in the eastern section of the strait, also crossed the area after loading petrol at Sohar Port in Oman. The vessel is currently en route to Tanga Port in Tanzania, where it is expected to arrive on 21 March.
Government sources say India is closely monitoring developments in the region. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of Indian sailors and maintain the flow of maritime trade despite the conflict.
India currently imports about 88% of its crude oil, 50% of its natural gas and nearly 60% of its LPG, with a significant portion traditionally coming from West Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The conflict in the region has created near-blockade conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for energy shipments from the Gulf.
To manage potential supply disruptions, India has also increased crude oil purchases from countries such as Russia. However, gas supplies for industrial consumers have been reduced and LPG allocations for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants have also been curtailed.
The Directorate General of Shipping has been closely monitoring maritime activity in coordination with ship owners, recruitment agencies, and Indian embassies. Since the control room was activated, authorities have responded to 2,995 phone calls and more than 5,357 emails from seafarers, their families, and maritime stakeholders.
So far, 276 Indian sailors have been safely repatriated from the Gulf region, including 23 seafarers in the past 24 hours. India’s major ports are also monitoring ship movements and cargo operations, while the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of External Affairs, and Indian missions abroad continue to coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of Indian sailors and uninterrupted maritime trade.
