Fortunate announcement: Iran opens Strait of Hormuz for India

November 7, 2026

Eight months after the US-Iran war, Iran has allowed Indian cargo ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf via the Gulf of Oman. Previously, crude oil containers, natural gas, and LPG containers passed through this route without any tariffs. However, when the war between the US and Iran broke out, and the main issue became who would control the movement of oil and gas containers from different countries through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran naturally imposed tariffs on ships passing through, claiming control of the Strait of Hormuz as part of its border.

It also issued a warning that ships passing through without permission could face military attacks or underwater mines. The US is more than 10,000 kilometers away from Iran, yet it uses military bases in neighboring countries to fight Iran. The US also imposed a blockade on the Strait of Oman near Hormuz, claiming the right to levy tariffs on ships. Amid the tensions, thousands of containers remained stranded on the Strait of Hormuz. Missiles were also fired at some cargo ships for violating the border, resulting in the deaths of crew members. However, both sides continued to blame each other for the attacks.

The US’s counter-blockade of the Gulf of Oman in response to Iran’s blockade of Hormuz was unsuccessful. The American people also disapproved of Trump’s blockade, as the disruption of supplies led to a wave of inflation. This anger was expressed by Americans through public opinion against Trump and his Republican Party in the recent midterm elections. Following Trump’s defeat in the midterm elections, Iran slightly altered its policy on Hormuz, opening the Strait of Hormuz to four countries, including India. Containers from India, China, Qatar, and Iraq will now be able to travel freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, India and China will have to pay duty, whereas Iraq and Qatar will not be charged any duty. From India’s perspective, Hormuz is very important for us. In our import-based economy, we import 85 percent of the country’s crude oil needs. About 40 percent of this oil reaches India through the Strait of Hormuz. This route is also direct and important for importing oil and gas from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

If India imports 5 million barrels of crude oil, then about 2 million barrels of this oil comes to India through the Strait of Hormuz. A complete ban on this route would have affected the country’s oil supply, as happened in Europe, and oil and gas prices would have risen there. Crude oil, natural gas, and LPG come through this route, so it would not be wrong to call this route the lifeline of the common people. Iran has exempted China because it is its major oil customer. China has indirectly supported Iran during the war. Iran imports large quantities of medicines from India, so India has also been exempted. This decision by Iran is a good fortune for India, as an uninterrupted supply of oil and gas helps control inflation.