New Delhi: India is holding diplomatic talks with Iran to ensure safe passage for its oil and gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran has asked New Delhi to return three tankers that were seized earlier this year, according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The negotiations come as tensions remain high in the Gulf region and shipping through the narrow waterway has been disrupted in recent weeks. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes and a large share of global oil shipments pass through it.

Indian officials are concerned because several Indian vessels have been waiting near the strait due to security risks. Shipping companies have been cautious about sending ships through the route as fears of attacks and military escalation continue in the region.

Sources say India has around two dozen ships carrying crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and other energy cargo that need to pass through the strait. Any prolonged disruption could affect India’s energy supplies because a significant portion of the country’s oil imports travel through this route.

During discussions with Indian officials, Iran has reportedly raised the issue of three tankers that were detained by Indian authorities earlier this year. The vessels were seized near Indian waters after authorities suspected they had concealed their identities or switched off tracking systems.

Iran has asked India to release the ships as part of ongoing talks over safe navigation through the strait. However, Indian officials say the matter is being handled through legal and diplomatic channels.

Despite the tensions, there have been some signs of progress. In recent days, Iran allowed at least two tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas to sail from the Gulf toward India through the Strait of Hormuz.

Indian diplomats have been engaging with Iranian authorities to ensure that Indian flagged vessels and cargo ships carrying Indian energy supplies can move safely through the region.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has become more sensitive after rising conflict in the Middle East. Security concerns have forced many shipping companies to delay or reroute vessels, while energy markets are closely watching developments in the Gulf.

For India, maintaining access to the strait is crucial because it is a key gateway for oil and gas imports from the Middle East. Officials say diplomatic engagement will continue in the coming days to ensure that Indian shipping and energy supplies are not disrupted.