The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday said it is premature to say anything regarding reports claiming that Iran would permit Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thrice in recent days amid concerns about safety of shipping and energy supplies.
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"External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart have had three conversations in recent days. In the last conversation, they discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature to say anything," Jaiswal said.
This comes as reports citing an Indian source claimed that Iran will allow Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait.
Meanwhile, an Iranian source quoted by Reuters dismissed the claims about such an agreement with India.
New Delhi on Wednesday revealed that 28 Indian-flagged vessels were operating west and east of the Strait. At least 778 Indian sailors are aboard these ships.
The development comes as a Thai vessel bound for Kandla port in Gujarat was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Responding to the strike, the MEA stated, "India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is beingmade a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict."
