India moves 13 commercial vessels out of Strait of Hormuz as Gulf tensions escalate

India has initiated the swift rerouting of 13 commercial vessels, including five crude oil tankers and a crucial LPG carrier, from the Strait of Hormuz. This urgent maneuver comes amidst a dramatic spike in Gulf tensions, following a series of aggressive maritime maneuvers by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) that threatened freedom of navigation in the critical waterway this past week. New Delhi's proactive measure underscores serious concerns for its energy supply lines and the safety of its seafarers. The escalation began after IRGCN vessels conducted provocative close-quarter approaches and warning shots near a US-flagged chemical tanker just days ago, a move the US Fifth Fleet condemned as "unprofessional and unsafe." This incident, coupled with recent reports of increased Iranian naval patrols near key chokepoints, has ratcheted up geopolitical risk premiums for shipping and crude oil. India, reliant on the Persian Gulf for over 60% of its oil imports, cannot afford disruptions to this lifeline, making its pre-emptive withdrawal a stark indicator of the perceived threat. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is reportedly in high-level consultations with regional partners and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to de-escalate the situation and ensure safe passage. Shipping firms are now scrambling to re-evaluate insurance premiums and seek alternative, longer routes, potentially driving up logistical costs globally. Observers will be watching for responses from the US and its allies, and whether Iran will back down or further test the resolve of international shipping lanes, potentially sparking a broader confrontation.