Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged LPG carriers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, offering India a much-needed breather amid a widening cooking gas crisis triggered by the West Asia war. Iranian officials confirmed the move on March 13, with reports saying the vessels were cleared to pass through the strategic waterway even as shipping remains under severe pressure from the conflict. The decision came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in what was described as their first direct conversation since the war broke out on February 28. In his statement after the call, Modi said he raised deep concern over the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure, while stressing that the safety of Indian nationals and the unhindered transit of goods and energy remain India’s top priorities. Iran’s ambassador to India also signalled that Tehran sees Indian vessels as friendly and eligible for safe passage, suggesting that India’s diplomatic outreach may have helped secure a special window for LPG shipments through one of the world’s most volatile energy chokepoints.