The representative of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Saturday reiterated that Indian vessels would be allowed to pass through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Speaking in an interview with ANI, Ilahi responded affirmatively when asked whether Indian ships would be permitted to cross the strait, saying, "Of course, of course. Yes."
On being asked if Indian vessels will be allowed to safely pass the Strait of Hormuz, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, says to ANI, "We hope so."
He says, "From the beginning, Iran didn't want an issue in this Strait, but they (US) imposed this conflict on Iran. Iran wants to provide opportunities for other countries, except those countries that are fighting with us or supporting our enemies. But the other countries should not suffer."
#WATCH | Delhi | On being asked if Indian vessels will be allowed to safely pass the Strait of Hormuz, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, says to ANI, "We hope so."He says, "From the beginning, Iran didn't want an issue in this… pic.twitter.com/pB74SCnX03 — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2026
When asked to elaborate, he said, "I heard that our embassy tried to provide an opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz."
The current round of conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28, has seen fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other.
#WATCH | Delhi | On being asked in an interview with ANI if we will see a free passage for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, replied "Yes." He says, "I heard that our embassy tried to… pic.twitter.com/MBojAxtNG3 — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2026
The conflict escalated after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, disrupting the waterway and affecting global energy markets and economic stability.
Amid the conflict, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical routes for energy shipments.
Ilahi said the special concessions for India reflected what he described as solidarity shown by Indians towards Iran.
"I can say the majority of Indian people are with Iran. They condemned the oppression. They follow justice. And they don't want war. Even I can say they are against the war," he said.
He added that the Iranian leadership had been informed about expressions of sympathy from people in India and said Tehran was aware of India’s energy needs.
"They (Indians) show their loyalty to the oppressed people. Even with the children of the girls' school, which is attacked by the United States, they show their sympathy, their solidarity. We informed our people in Iran of the sympathy and solidarity of our brothers and sisters in India. And we said that now also they are suffering from a shortage of gas and a shortage of petrol, and we have to provide for them and help them and support them," Ilahi added.
He also said the Iranian embassy had attempted several times to help resolve the issue for the "dear brothers and sisters in India".
Earlier on Saturday, two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities.
One of them, Shivalik, was last reported in the Gulf of Oman and is expected to reach its destination by March 21, according to vessel tracking data.
*With Agency InputsDiscover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
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