Indian Vessels Transit Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Tensions; Iran Exempts Indian Ships

Two Indian cargo vessels, Pushpak and Parimal, recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened US-Iran tensions, with reports suggesting Iranian authorities may exempt Indian-flagged ships from targeting. Diplomatic talks between India and Iran have addressed regional security and bilateral issues. Iran has stated its closure of the strait applies only to vessels from the US, Israel, Europe, and their allies, while India continues to rely on the route for about 40% of its crude oil imports despite global shipping caution.