Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Iran has said it will continue to allow commercial ships from certain “friendly nations,” including India, to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes at a time when the region is facing heightened instability due to ongoing military escalation involving the United States and Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that countries such as India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan are being given safe passage through the narrow waterway. He made it clear, however, that ships linked to nations considered hostile will not be allowed to use the route. According to him, the region is effectively a war zone, and access decisions are being made carefully.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. Nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through this narrow stretch of water every day. Because of this, even small disruptions can have a major impact on global energy markets.
For India, this decision provides some relief. The country depends heavily on energy imports from West Asia, and any blockage of this route could have serious consequences. In fact, reports suggest that India has recently resumed buying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Iran for the first time in years, following a temporary easing of sanctions by the administration of Donald Trump.
However, while access has been allowed for a few countries, the overall situation remains tense. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply in recent weeks. Data from industry trackers indicates that vessel movement has fallen by nearly 95%, showing how severely the conflict has affected global trade routes.
The impact is already being felt worldwide. Oil and gas prices have started rising, and supply chains are under pressure. Industries that depend on fuel, such as aviation and transport, are seeing increased costs. At the same time, concerns are growing about fertiliser supplies, which could affect agriculture and food production in several countries.
Global leaders have urged restraint. António Guterres has called on all sides to de-escalate the situation immediately. He warned that continued conflict would not only increase civilian suffering but also deepen the global economic crisis. His message was clear: the longer the conflict continues, the greater the damage to both people and economies around the world.
India, for its part, is closely monitoring the situation. Officials in New Delhi are working through diplomatic channels to ensure that energy supplies remain stable. The government is also aware that any prolonged disruption could push up fuel prices domestically, affecting inflation and daily life for millions of people.
Meanwhile, Iran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz is not completely closed, despite widespread fears. Instead, it is being controlled selectively. Ships from countries that have coordinated with Iran or are seen as neutral or friendly are being allowed through, while others are restricted.
This selective access has created uncertainty in global markets. Businesses and governments are trying to prepare for possible long-term disruptions. Some countries are even considering emergency measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic to manage supply shortages.
In the coming weeks, much will depend on how the situation unfolds. If tensions continue to rise, the Strait of Hormuz could become an even bigger flashpoint. For now, India’s continued access offers temporary relief, but the larger global picture remains uncertain and fragile.