‘We have a relationship’: India says Iran got ‘nothing in exchange’ for letting its ships pass through Hormuz after US speculates special arrangement

India has clarified that it does not have a sweeping arrangement with Iran allowing all Indian-flagged ships to pass through the
Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global shipping routes.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that while some Indian vessels have recently managed to sail through the strategic waterway, this was not because of any broad agreement with Tehran. Instead, each transit has been handled separately through diplomatic coordination.

Speaking about the recent developments with the Financial Times, Jaishankar stressed that there was no blanket understanding between New Delhi and Tehran.

“Every ship movement is an individual happening.”

The statement came after US energy secretary Chris Wright said that Indian ships went through the strait unharmed because ‘Iran probably made a deal with India.’ Jaishanka dismissed speculation that Iran had received anything from India in exchange for allowing the ships to pass.

US energy secretary Chris Wright says a convoy went through Hormuz & Iran did not fire on them because ‘Iran probably made a deal with India’pic.twitter.com/DfqLpXEj8q

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 16, 2026

Diplomacy seen as key to reopening Hormuz

The comments come amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil trade moves. The ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted tanker traffic and raised concerns about global energy supplies.

Jaishankar said that India’s engagement with Iran through direct dialogue had helped create space for some Indian vessels to navigate the route safely. According to him, diplomatic outreach remains the most effective way to ensure that shipping through the strait gradually returns to normal.

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He also indicated that India’s approach is focused on maintaining communication with all parties involved in the conflict while protecting the country’s energy security and shipping interests.

Balancing diplomacy and energy security

India relies heavily on crude oil shipments from the Gulf region, making the Strait of Hormuz a vital route for its energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption could have major implications for fuel availability and prices.

For now, New Delhi appears to be relying on careful diplomacy rather than formal agreements to keep its ships moving. Officials say this case-by-case coordination reflects the complicated security environment in the region and the need to avoid escalating tensions while safeguarding India’s trade and energy lifelines.

With the crisis still unfolding, India is expected to continue engaging Iran and other regional stakeholders to ensure safe passage for its vessels through the strategically important strait.