In a strategic move to ease tensions in the Middle East, India has extended a humanitarian hand to Iran by sending 20,000 kg of essential medicines for those injured in the conflict. A specialized Iranian aircraft departed from Delhi to Mashhad carrying the consignment. This “Medicine Diplomacy” has reportedly paid off, as Tehran has granted India a major concession in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Embassy in Delhi confirmed that Indian vessels will no longer be intercepted or charged any toll while passing through the crucial strait. This comes after India previously dispatched 45,000 kg of medical supplies and provided a grant of 100,000 Euros to the Iranian Embassy. Amidst this diplomatic thaw, Iranian crude oil has reached Indian ports for the first time in seven years, with tankers ‘Felicity’ and ‘Jaya’ arriving in Gujarat and Odisha carrying 4 million barrels of oil.

However, the geopolitical situation remains volatile as the United States has deployed over 15 warships to enforce a naval blockade in Hormuz. While Europe gears up for a summit to resolve the crisis, China has issued a stern warning to Donald Trump, stating that any US interference in Iran-China relations will not be tolerated. For now, India’s tactical balancing act seems to have secured its energy and maritime interests.