10 Indian ships have exited Hormuz safely, 14 vessels still stranded in Persian Gulf: MEA

In a press briefing on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 10 Indian ships have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz in the last few weeks, even as 14 Indian vessels remain in the Persian Gulf amid heightened tensions following the US-Iran ceasefire.
Jaiswal added that India is working to ensure the return of the remaining ships.

"As far as Indian ships in the Persian Gulf are concerned, we remain in close contact with Iranian authorities to ensure their safe passage out of the region and back to India," he said.


Also Read: Shadow of Hormuz: Why the crisis in the Gulf is turning all eyes to the Malacca Strait

On reports of ships being targeted in the region, the spokesperson clarified that the two vessels that were fired upon are foreign-owned. "There are some Indian nationals on board these ships, and they are safe," he said.

Reiterating New Delhi's position on the broader West Asia conflict, Jaiswal said India's policy on the region remains unchanged. "We have always stood in favour of peace. Any step that is being taken, or will be taken, towards peace initiatives has our support. We have consistently maintained that any issue, conflict, or difference should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," he said.

The MEA also addressed the ongoing detention of Commander Purnendu Tiwari in Qatar. Jaiswal said Tiwari was sentenced by Qatar's Court of Cassation in February 2026, along with an Omani owner and a Qatari officer.


Also Read: From Hormuz to headquarters: Iran war ripples through corporate balance sheets, blurs forecasts

While he was granted relief in a separate case in March, he continues to remain in custody in connection with the February ruling.

"As far as we are concerned, we are in touch with his family and are extending all possible support," Jaiswal said.