External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stated that talks have achieved "some results" and are still ongoing. This comes after Iran permitted two Indian-flagged gas tankers to travel through the strait of Hormuz, which Tehran had previously blocked due to its conflict with the US and Israel.I'm currently speaking with them, and my efforts have achieved results. This is ongoing. If it is producing benefits for me, I will undoubtedly continue to look into it," Dr. Jaishankar told Financial Times. "Certainly, from India's perspective, it is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution."
The External Affairs Minister stated that there was no "blanket arrangement" with Iran for Indian-flagged ships and that "every ship movement is a unique event."He denied any exchange with Iran and stated that Delhi and Tehran have a "history of dealing with each other... which is the basis on which I engaged".It is not an exchange issue. India and Iran share a relationship. He described the conflict as "very unfortunate."These are still early days. We have a lot more ships there. So, while this is a positive development, there is ongoing discussion because there is ongoing work on it," Dr. Jaishankar remarked.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about the transit of goods and energy.
The Indian-flagged tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tons of LPG and are slated to arrive at Mundra and Kandla ports in a few days.
Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which transports around 20% of world crude oil and natural gas, in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks. This has raised energy security worries in Asian economies including India and China.
India is the world's fourth-largest customer of liquefied natural gas and the second-largest buyer of LPG, which is used to cook. This gas is primarily imported from the Middle East.Amid supply worries, the government previously ordered that the homes and transportation sectors be prioritized. Several industries, including ceramic tile manufacturers, are suffering a gas shortage, which might halt production.