Even after Iran allowed two Indian LPG carriers to move through the Strait of Hormuz, the larger maritime situation remains unresolved because 28 Indian vessels are still waiting in and around the Gulf region, with 778 Indian seafarers onboard according to Indian government briefings.

This means the two ships that crossed are only a small part of a much larger shipping challenge. Most Indian vessels are still moving cautiously, delaying departure, changing routes, or waiting for fresh security signals before attempting transit.

For India, what happens next matters because these ships include LPG carriers, crude-linked tankers, and merchant vessels connected to supply chains that directly affect fuel, fertilizer, and industrial logistics.

Highlights Table

Where Exactly Are These 28 Vessels?

According to the latest official briefing:

• 24 vessels are positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz

• 4 vessels are east of the Strait

This split matters because vessels west of the strait face the highest uncertainty if they attempt entry toward Indian routes.

Why Are They Still Waiting?

Security Risk Has Not Fully Reduced

Even after two LPG ships moved, shipping companies still consider the corridor unstable.

Current concerns include:

• missile risk in nearby waters

• signal interference

• military monitoring

• unpredictable vessel checks

That means one successful passage does not automatically reopen normal movement.

Why Two Ships Moved but 28 Still Did Not

The two vessels cleared earlier were seen as selective movement, not full normalization.

That Suggests:

• approvals may still be vessel-specific

• route timing may be controlled

• shipping operators remain cautious

This is why most operators are still waiting for stronger certainty before moving larger fleets.

What Happens Next for These Ships

Scenario 1: Phased Safe Passage

India may secure gradual movement vessel by vessel.

This is currently the most realistic path.

Scenario 2: Convoy-Based Timing

Ships may move in grouped windows depending on regional security.

Scenario 3: Delayed Sailing Until Risk Drops

Some vessels may continue holding position if threat levels rise again.

India Is Already in Talks for More Ships

Government-linked reports indicate India is actively discussing safe passage not just for two vessels but for eight LPG-linked ships first, while broader merchant traffic is also being tracked.

This means the next few days are critical.

Why LPG Ships Are Being Prioritized

Household Fuel Pressure

LPG directly affects domestic cylinder supply.

Limited Reserve Window

India cannot delay LPG arrivals for long without supply pressure.

That is why LPG-linked movement is being treated first.

Could Naval Escort Be Used?

At present, no official full escort deployment has been confirmed for all vessels.

But maritime discussions have included:

• close naval monitoring

• route coordination

• emergency response readiness

India’s shipping authorities are keeping continuous watch.

Why Some Ships May Turn Off Tracking Signals

Recent vessel movement shows some ships temporarily reducing visible tracking.

Why This Happens

• avoid targeting

• reduce route visibility

• lower security exposure

One India-bound crude-linked vessel that later reached Mumbai reportedly moved through a reduced-tracking phase before reappearing safely.

Does This Affect India Immediately?

Short-Term

Not all supplies stop immediately because India has reserves.

Medium-Term

If more ships remain delayed:

• LPG supply tightens

• freight cost rises

• insurance premiums increase

Why Markets Are Watching These 28 Ships Closely

Each vessel near Hormuz now represents market confidence.

If several begin moving safely:

• oil markets calm

• LPG panic reduces

• freight pressure eases

If they remain stalled:

• prices stay elevated

• supply anxiety returns

Are Some Ships Already Moving Out?

Yes, some Indian-linked vessels have already shifted toward safer waters in recent days.

Reports indicate several ships earlier near the danger zone have moved into the Arabian Sea while waiting for better transit timing.

What the Next 72 Hours Could Decide

The next few days may determine whether:

• more Indian ships receive safe passage

• movement expands beyond LPG carriers

• commercial confidence returns

That is why shipping authorities are treating each transit as a test case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are all 28 ships stuck completely?

No. Some are holding position, some are moving cautiously, and some are awaiting safer timing.

Are Indian sailors safe right now?

Government says active monitoring is underway for all 778 seafarers.

Will more ships be allowed through soon?

Possibly, especially LPG-linked vessels first.

Does this affect oil prices in India?

Indirectly yes, if delays continue.

Is Hormuz fully open now?

No, movement remains selective.

Final Takeaway

The fact that 28 Indian vessels are still waiting near the Strait of Hormuz shows that the crisis is far from over. Two ships crossing created relief, but not full confidence. What happens next depends on whether India can secure repeated safe passages without escalation.

Right now, every ship that moves successfully is becoming part of a larger test of diplomacy, maritime strategy, and energy resilience.