New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) - The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that six Indian vessels transporting goods such as LPG and LNG have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as New Delhi maintains communication with Iran and other countries to ensure the secure passage of Indian ships amidst the ongoing regional conflict.

During a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India's involvement in a meeting regarding the Strait of Hormuz, hosted by the UK later on Thursday.

When queried about the status of 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil and LPG that are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, Jaiswal stated, "We are in discussions with Iran and other nations to facilitate unimpeded and safe transit for our vessels that are transporting various products, including LPG and LNG. Thanks to these dialogues, six Indian ships have safely crossed Hormuz, and we continue to engage with the relevant parties on this issue."

In response to another inquiry, he added, "The UK has invited several countries, including India, for discussions on the Strait of Hormuz. Our Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting this evening."

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has raised alarms regarding regional stability and global energy markets, especially given the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route.

When asked about reports suggesting that India is paying tolls for the transit of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, Jaiswal remarked, "We have previously clarified this matter. There have been no discussions of this nature between us and Iran."

Last month, Iran declared that it would not impose restrictions on vessels from five 'friendly' nations, including India, allowing them to traverse the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, even as access for others remains limited.

In an interview with Iranian state television, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is not entirely closed and that certain countries with which Iran has friendly relations have been exempted from restrictions.

"There is no reason to allow adversaries to pass through the Strait. We have permitted certain countries we consider friendly to transit; these include China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan," Araghchi stated, as reported by Iran’s official news agency.

On March 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing the security dynamics in West Asia. During the call, PM Modi condemned assaults on critical infrastructure in the area and emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation while keeping shipping lanes secure.

Both leaders had previously communicated on March 12, during which PM Modi expressed his concerns about escalating tensions in the region, highlighting the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure. He reiterated India's steadfast belief that all disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.