Key facts
- The Strait of Hormuz is expected to partially reopen following a US-Iran framework accord.
- Over 23,000 Indian seafarers were stranded due to the conflict.
- Two Indian sailors died in a missile attack on the tanker Skylight.
- Shipping companies are adopting a wait-and-see approach despite the agreement.
- The Indian Navy has escorted stranded crews out of the high-risk zone.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global trade, is expected to partially reopen following a US-Iran framework accord, offering cautious relief to thousands of Indian seafarers stranded by recent conflict. The strait had been closed to enemy ships after Iran faced strikes on its nuclear sites and leadership, halting traffic and leaving Indian sailors trapped on vessels carrying crude oil, LPG, and other cargo.
Captain Raman Kapoor described the harrowing experience of being trapped for 75 days in the war zone. Tragically, two Indian sailors, Captain Ashish Kumar and Dalip Singh, lost their lives in a missile attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight on March 1, while 17 others were rescued. Families of the affected sailors are anxiously awaiting their return, with government helplines established to provide support.
India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal convened a meeting and established a Quick Response Team. Ships are now required to report hourly, an increase from every six hours, and are operating under Level-3 security. The Directorate General of Shipping is maintaining constant communication with crews and shipping firms. Iran has warned it will target US, Israeli, or allied ships but indicated that others may proceed freely.
The Indian Navy has escorted stranded crews, including those on an LPG carrier bound for India, out of the high-risk zone. Sailors described heavy exchanges of fire and missiles falling near their vessels. Major shipping companies like Maersk, while welcoming the development, cautioned that it was too early to gauge its implications for regional logistics and maritime operations, and stated there were no changes to their operations in the Middle East at this stage.