Pushpak, then Parimal through Hormuz: Is India’s shipping corridor still open with Iran?

Iran war would increase transit time and costs

Two India-bound cargo vessels have been tracked moving through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, according to marine tracking data cited in reports.

The vessels, Pushpak and Parimal, were seen passing through the strait while several global shipping operators remain cautious about using the route because of security concerns in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, and carries a large share of global oil and energy shipments.

According to marine tracking data referenced in reports, the two vessels were observed navigating the route at speed through the strait.

The passage of the vessels has drawn attention as tensions between the United States and Iran have increased security risks along the waterway.

Several reports citing experts said Iranian authorities may have indicated that ships flying the Indian flag would not be targeted during the current tensions. The reports linked this possibility to diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

First Pushpak and now Parimal is making a dash through the straits of death. Either GoI has established a working understanding with the Iranians or Indian merchant shippers have suddenly regained their mojo and are doing what they were historically famous for doing in the region https://t.co/NzsRvkpbPx

— Diva Jain (@DivaJain2) March 7, 2026

The movement of the vessels coincides with recent diplomatic interactions between India and Iran.

According to the reports, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Following the call, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh visited New Delhi and met Jaishankar.

Reports said the discussions addressed bilateral issues and regional developments.

Amid the developments, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a warning to the United States after Washington said it could provide security for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the reports, the IRGC responded by stating that it was “waiting for America”.

The IRGC also referenced the 1987 incident involving the Bridgeton supertanker, saying the United States should consider historical precedents before making decisions regarding security in the strait.

The developments also come after an incident involving an Iranian vessel near Sri Lanka, according to the reports.

The reports said a vessel identified as Iris Dena had been sunk by the United States while returning from the Indian Navy’s Milan exercise.

Following the incident, the reports said India allowed Iranian sailors from the vessel to take shelter at Kochi port on humanitarian grounds.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.

A significant share of global oil shipments moves through the waterway each day, making the strait central to global energy markets and maritime trade.

Heightened geopolitical tensions in the region have raised concerns about the security of commercial shipping routes and energy supply chains passing through the strait.