Exclusive-As India seeks Hormuz safe passage, Tehran asks for return of seized tankers, sources say
AI Summary
Iran has requested India release three tankers seized in February as part of diplomatic negotiations for safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The tankers were seized by Indian authorities near Indian waters over allegations of concealed identities and involvement in illegal ship-to-ship transfers. The talks reflect broader geopolitical tensions involving maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
By Saurabh Sharma and Krishna N. Das NEW DELHI, March 16 (Reuters) - Iran has asked India to release three tankers seized in February as part of talks seeking the safe passage of Indian‑flagged or India‑bound vessels out of the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Indian authorities seized the three Iran‑linked tankers near Indian waters alleging they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship‑to‑ship transfers at sea.