Indian tanker navigates a dangerous warzone route as conflict disrupts key global shipping lanes.
April 1, 2026: An Indian tanker crew faced tense conditions as missiles and drones flew overhead daily while waiting for clearance to move through the Strait of Hormuz. Chief Officer Sohan Lal said the 27-member Indian crew witnessed multiple projectiles streaking across the night sky, highlighting the severity of the ongoing conflict in the region. The vessel remained on standby for days as authorities assessed the risks before granting permission to proceed.
Clearance was eventually granted, but not through the usual shipping lanes. Instead, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed the tanker through a narrow and less-used channel near Larak Island, citing security concerns as the main route was reportedly mined. The decision to proceed was taken only after unanimous consent from the crew, with Indian authorities and the ship’s operator ensuring that all onboard agreed to the high-risk journey.
The Indian Navy escorted the vessel after it crossed into safer waters, guiding it for nearly 20 hours from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. While the tanker safely exited the conflict zone, concerns remain high as several Indian-flagged vessels and hundreds of seafarers are still stranded in the Persian Gulf. The situation continues to raise alarm over India’s heavy reliance on maritime LPG imports and the risks posed by escalating geopolitical tensions.