'Premature to say anything now': India on Hormuz blockade relief
What's the story
India has held talks with Iran on energy security and shipping, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. In his press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart three times and said the last of those calls discussed India's energy security and the safety of shipping. "Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," he said.
Reports
Oil tanker reaches Mumbai
Earlier, several news channels reported that Iran has permitted Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies, after Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. While Iran has yet to officially respond to the claim, a Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker, Shenlong Suezmax, reached Mumbai port after successfully transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The vessel was carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura port.
Citizen update
Update on Indian nationals in Iran
The MEA also updated on the status of Indian nationals in Iran, saying around 9,000 Indians are currently present there. This number includes students, seafarers, businessmen and pilgrims. The spokesperson said that after the conflict began, several Indians, especially students, have been moved to safer places in Iran. "We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home," he added.
Twitter Post
9,000 Indian nationals in Iran: MEA
#WATCH | Delhi | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "...We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border… pic.twitter.com/aMp07QSiQu
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
Rejection statement
MEA rejects Pakistan's allegations regarding Afghanistan conflict
The MEA has also rejected Pakistan's allegations that India is responsible for its conflict with Afghanistan. The spokesperson called the allegations "baseless" and accused Pakistan of blaming India for its own misdeeds. "It has become second nature for Pakistan to blame India for its own misdeeds," said the spokesperson. The MEA added that "no amount of storytelling is going to alter this reality, nor is anyone fooled by Pakistan's assumed victimhood."