As the India-flagged LPG carrier Green Sanvi successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, Iran used the moment to highlight its longstanding relationship with India.

In a message posted on X, the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai said India — particularly Gujarat — occupies a special place in the shared civilisational history of the two nations. The statement came in response to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who described the tanker’s safe passage as a diplomatic achievement for India.

The consulate’s remarks appeared to allude to centuries-old maritime links between the Persian coast and Gujarat, including trade connections dating back to the era of the ancient port of Lothal. Emphasising these historical bonds, Iran said it remains committed to deepening cooperation and friendship with India.

The Green Sanvi, carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG, became the seventh Indian-linked vessel to cross the strategically sensitive strait since hostilities disrupted shipping in the region. Sanghavi welcomed the development on social media, calling it another milestone for Indian diplomacy.

So far, six LPG vessels have already reached Indian shores after transiting the waterway, which handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil flows. However, around 17 Indian ships are still awaiting clearance west of the strait.

The restricted movement through Hormuz has pushed global crude prices close to the $100 per barrel level. While Iran has barred vessels it considers hostile, it has allowed passage to ships from five countries it views as friendly — including India, Russia, China, Iraq and Pakistan. Tehran has also approved a proposal to levy transit charges on ships using the corridor.

Centre Dismisses Claims of Oil Shipment Diversion

Separately, the Indian government rejected speculation that an Iranian crude shipment intended for India had been redirected to China over payment issues.

In a statement shared on X, the Petroleum Ministry clarified that Indian refiners have secured adequate supplies from Iran and that there are no financial obstacles affecting imports. The clarification marks the first official acknowledgement from the Narendra Modi-led government that India is sourcing Iranian oil following the US waiver issued last month to ease global energy pressures.