The representative of the Iranian Supreme Leader in India, Dr. Abdul Majeed Hakim Elahi, confirmed that Indian ships will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, amid concerns about shipping disruption due to the ongoing Gulf conflict.
His remarks came as India’s shipping ministry confirmed that two Indian-flagged LPG tankers – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – had safely crossed the war-hit strait early Saturday morning and were now heading towards Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat carrying more than 92,700 tonnes of LPG. path Live updates of the US-Iran war
The ships are expected to dock in India on March 16 or 17, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, said at a press conference. The ships were among 24 stranded on the western side of the strait after conflict escalated in the region.
India’s Supreme Leader’s envoy reiterates his support
Asked whether Indian ships would be able to move freely through the waterway, Dr Abdul Majeed Hakim Elahi, representative of the Iranian Supreme Leader in India, told news agency ANI: “Yes.”
He added that Iranian diplomatic channels have already tried to facilitate the movement of Indian ships. He said: “I heard that our embassy tried to provide the opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran had also earlier indicated that Indian ships would be allowed safe transit through the strategic waterway.
On Friday, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fateh Ali, while speaking to reporters in New Delhi, said: “We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests, and we have a common destiny.”
He added that positive developments in ship movement can be seen within “two or three hours.”
As HT reported earlier, people familiar with the matter said New Delhi continues to remain in touch with Tehran regarding the safe passage of about two dozen Indian-flagged ships currently stationed west of the Strait of Hormuz.
In a related development, a crude tanker carrying Saudi oil is also expected to arrive in India after successfully sailing through the strait, according to people familiar with the matter.
Iran is ready to continue the war, even for five years
Speaking separately about the ongoing conflict in the region, Elahi said that Iran is ready for a long-term war if necessary.
“I don’t know any deadline for this war, but I know that Iran is ready to continue this war until the end, even for 5 years,” he told ANI when asked if he sees an end to the US/Israeli-Iranian attacks soon.
Elahi also denied US President Donald Trump’s statements that Iran wants to negotiate.
“Never. Iran does not want to negotiate with them at this moment because they started this war. We have tried that with them twice now. We were negotiating with them, and they attacked us.”
He added that Iran considers the conflict imposed on it and says it will continue to defend itself.
