Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that Indian Navy ships are currently escorting and securing the safe passage of India’s oil tankers through the sensitive Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the government is actively monitoring the situation in the region.
Speaking at a military event in Kerala, Singh assured that India is not experiencing any fuel or gas shortages and is well-equipped to manage any potential energy disruptions resulting from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He highlighted the government’s readiness to handle various scenarios arising from the situation.
Furthermore, Singh mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is employing his diplomatic expertise to protect Indian interests in the Gulf region amidst the escalating tensions. He reiterated the government’s vigilance in monitoring developments in West Asia and readiness to address any emerging challenges.
During his address, the defence minister urged voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Kerala assembly elections, citing the party as the ideal choice for bringing positive transformations to the state. Referring to BJP’s commitments as “Modi’s guarantees,” he underscored the Prime Minister’s dependable leadership, likening it to “24-carat gold” that has stood the test of time.
The Kerala Assembly elections, featuring 140 seats, are set to take place on April 9. Notably, two additional Indian-flagged LPG tankers successfully traversed the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz on March 30, carrying a combined 94,000 tonnes of LPG. This brings the total number of fuel tankers to six, with vessels BW TYR and BW ELM expected to arrive at Indian ports in the coming days.
The critical Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for Gulf oil and gas exports, has witnessed disruptions in shipping activities following military actions by the US, Israel, and Iran. Iran recently permitted “non-hostile vessels” to pass through the strait after coordinating with Iranian authorities. Previously, four Indian-flagged LPG tankers had also safely navigated the waterway.
The article concludes with this information, underscoring the significance of the ongoing developments in the region.
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