India denies discussing release of vessels with Iran for Hormuz passage

Mar 17, 2026

An Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, Shivalik, arrives at Mundra Port via the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Gujarat, India, March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Amit Dave — Amit Dave

NEW DELHI, March 17 (Reuters) - India has had no discussions with Iran over the exchange of three vessels, a spokesperson for India's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Reuters reported on Monday, citing sources, that Iran had asked for the return of three seized tankers in exchange for India asking for India-flagged or India-bound vessels' safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global crude trade.

(Reporting by Saurabh Sharma and Nidhi Verma, writing by Hritam Mukherjee)

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