New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday criticised the government and the BJP over what it described as an exaggerated claim of success after two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crossed the Strait of Hormuz, questioning whether the development actually benefits India.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged that the ruling party was attempting to project the transit as a major achievement despite the ships not carrying fuel meant for India.

“There is an atmosphere of celebration in the BJP camp because two Indian ships – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – carrying LPG have crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

But there is a catch. The ships merely sailed out of Ras Laffan, Qatar, under the Indian flag. The LPG on board is bound for Jacksons, USA – something anyone can easily verify on marine traffic trackers.

Does the crossing of these ships help India? No. Does it ease the situation for the Indian consumer? Not at all. Yet a failed government, with no real results to show, is parading this crossing as a “victory.” Jai ho!” Khera wrote on X.

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The remarks came after two Indian-flagged LPG vessels were allowed transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities amid heightened tensions in West Asia. One of the vessels, Shivalik LPG tanker, was last reported in the Gulf of Oman and is expected to reach its destination by March 21, according to vessel tracking site MarineTraffic.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Friday provided an update on the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels.

According to the ministry, 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf, while 76 Indian seafarers remain on three vessels located east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministry said the Directorate General of Shipping continues to coordinate with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian missions abroad, and that all Indian vessels and crew are being actively monitored.

It added that since the activation of a 24-hour control room, the Directorate General of Shipping has handled over 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails, and facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 223 stranded Indian seafarers.

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Earlier, Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, confirmed that Tehran would allow safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Answering a question on whether Iran would permit Indian-bound ships safe transit through the strategic waterway, Fathali said, "Yes. Because India and I are friends. You can see the future, and I think that after two or three hours. Because we believe that. We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate."

He emphasised the shared responsibility between the two nations, adding, "Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. And for this reason, the government of India help us, and we should help the government of India because we have a common fate and common interest."