West Asia Conflict / Iran exempts Indian vessels from Strait of Hormuz restrictions amid Middle East tensions

New Delhi, Nov 5: In a move that could ease maritime concerns for Indian trade and shipping, Iran on Tuesday announced special transit exemptions for Indian vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest and most sensitive sea routes.

The announcement was made by Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, vice-chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. He said India, China, Iraq and Qatar have been granted exemptions, allowing their vessels to navigate the strategic waterway without restrictions.

“We have already exempted four countries from restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz — India, China, Iraq and Qatar. They are free to pass through, and the Americans have no issues with them either,” Hayat-Moghaddam was quoted as saying by the Iranian Students’ News Agency.

Also read: Iran Claims Interception of Three US Drones Near Strait of Hormuz

According to the Iranian lawmaker, the exemption for India is aimed at facilitating medicine imports into Iran, while the arrangement with China serves broader political and economic interests.

He said the exemption for Indian vessels was intended to facilitate medicine imports into Iran, while the arrangement for Chinese ships was aimed at securing Beijing’s political support. “We are doing business,” he said, adding that Tehran also collected money from Indian and Chinese vessels.

The development comes as attacks on merchant vessels continue to raise concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Gulf region.

In a recent incident, the Indian-flagged dhow MSV Al-Jusufi was struck by an unidentified aerial object near Oman’s coast. While 13 crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, Indian sailor Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat died from his injuries.

India condemned the attack, calling for de-escalation and the restoration of free navigation through international waterways.

The Directorate General of Shipping has also advised shipowners and recruitment agencies against deploying Indian nationals on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, though the advisory is not mandatory.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India estimates that more than 4,000 Indian sailors are currently serving aboard ships in the region.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation.

Qatar is reportedly mediating a proposal aimed at halting hostilities, though Iranian military strategists remain sceptical about a diplomatic breakthrough and reportedly view renewed confrontation with the United States as a more likely outcome.