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Informist, Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – State-owned Shipping Corp. of India Ltd. is looking at resuming services to the war-hit Persian Gulf countries, a senior government official said Wednesday. "Yes, the Shipping Corporation of India is looking to start services to the Middle East and the government is working on it," Mukesh Mangal, additional secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said at an inter-ministerial press briefing here. 

 

"However, it needs a lot of groundwork. So, we can't start these services tomorrow," Mangal said in response to a query. Mangal said the move is being planned to benefit Indian exporters. Indian exports have been hit in the wake of the conflict between the US and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz shut for transport.

 

Mangal said that Indian authorities are negotiating with Iran to allow India-bound ships to safely leave the region. "India is among the top countries which have had their vessels safely pass through Hormuz," he said. Ten India-flagged vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Nine of them were loaded with gas and one with crude oil. Thirteen India-flagged and one India-owned vessels are still stranded in the Persian Gulf.

 

The war has also affected energy procurement from the Persian Gulf. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said a lot of focus has been on increasing domestic production of liquefied petroleum gas and supplies to domestic users have been maintained uninterruptedly. Asked about the possible impact of the United Arab Emirates breaking away from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries on India, Sharma said it is "still too early" to comment on it. 

 

Wednesday, Shipping Corp.'s shares ended 1.7% higher at INR 308.13 on the National Stock Exchange. 

End

 

Reported by Asim Khan

Edited by Saji George Titus

 

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