However, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal denied to respond to a query on the same.
In a press conference in New Delhi on March 12, Jaiswal said that EAM S Jaishankar has spoken with his Iranian counterpart three times during the course of the ongoing conflict. However, he denied any clarification on the talks about the agreement on safe passage of the oil ships.”External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” Jaiswal said.
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CNBC Awaaz reported citing sources that at least 24 Indian ships are stuck and are waiting to pass the Strait of Hormuz. Over 600 Indian seafarers are reported to be onboard these vessels.
Earlier on March 12, two oil vessels reportedly Indian were said to have been allowed to pass through the strait.
However, sources clarified to CNBC-TV18 that the two vessels, Parimal and Pushpak, are not Indian-flagged. Iranian sources also could not provide any confirmation of claim that Iran has assured safe passage to Indian carriers.
The Jaishankar-Araghchi phone call
Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi had a “detailed” conversation on March 10 over the ongoing West Asia conflict.
While, Jaishankar did not provide any details of the talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry said on March 11 that both the ministers discussed the regional developments and the “implications” of the ongoing hostilities.
According to the Iran’s foreign ministry statement, Jaishankar pointed out the significance of sustaining and strengthening bilateral relations between Tehran and New Delhi. He also said that there was a need for continued discussions to restore regional stability.
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Araghchi said that Iran is committed to safeguarding shipping security in the Persian Gulf, arguing that disruptions in the region were the result of “aggressive and destabilising actions” by the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz has been shut since March 2 after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that they would not allow passage of any ship, and will actively target anyone doing so.
This was in response to the US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran on February 28, that led to a war in the wider West Asia region after Iran retaliated by attacking US bases across the Gulf countries.
