New Delhi, 16 March (H.S.): In a boost for India's energy security amid West Asia unrest, the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Shivalik arrived at Gujarat's Mundra Port on Monday carrying 45,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas from Gulf nations.

The vessel navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite disruptions from reported Israel-US strikes on Iran, with a second ship, Nanda Devi, expected soon to further ease domestic cooking gas shortages.

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha confirmed pre-arranged documentation and priority berthing to expedite unloading without delays.

All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf remain safe, with no incidents in the past 24 hours; authorities maintain constant contact with 22 Indian-flagged vessels west of Hormuz carrying 611 crew members.

Government diplomacy between Indian and Iranian foreign ministries secured passage for Shivalik and Nanda after ships were stranded due to the strait closure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar