(file photo) Sources said around 600 vessels, including approximately 250 tankers, remain in the Persian Gulf.
| Photo Credit:
Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA/WANA VIA REUTERS
The agreement between the US and Iran to end months of conflict in the Gulf region could ease pressure on global supply chains, lower energy prices and provide a boost to India’s economy and exports, feel experts in shipping, logistics and trade.The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies pass, is expected to restore confidence in global shipping markets after months of disruption.Sources said around 600 vessels, including approximately 250 tankers, remain in the Persian Gulf.J. Krishnan, Partner at the Chennai-based S Natesa Iyer Logistics LLP, said the cessation of hostilities and restoration of seaborne commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was a welcome development.“Lower energy prices will reignite India’s growth and positively impact the common man’s daily expenses. The market rebound also presents an opportunity that Indian exporters should not miss,” he said.Vivek Raja of Pearl Shipping, Thoothukudi, said stability in the Gulf was crucial for global trade. Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz drives up oil prices, increases bunker fuel costs and raises freight rates, ultimately affecting the cost of goods worldwide.According to him, the agreement offers hope for smoother maritime operations, reduced logistical uncertainties and restoration of trade momentum. It could also ease supply-chain pressures and support growth in India’s shipping and logistics sectors.Trade experts said the agreement also carries broader strategic implications.Ajay Srivastava, Founder of Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), said the immediate benefits for India include greater stability in oil, LNG and LPG supplies, lower inflationary pressures and support for economic growth.However, he argued that the development also underlines the importance of strategic autonomy in international relations.“The agreement demonstrates that economic and strategic leverage can influence negotiations. India must continue to engage with major powers from a position of equality while protecting its national interests,” he said.Industry observers estimate that a complete return to pre-crisis conditions could take between two and three months, as shipping schedules, equipment availability and cargo flows stabilise.Lars Jensen, a container shipping analyst, in a social media post, noted that the deal is still subject to implementation over the next 60 days and that maritime traffic would likely resume gradually. Mine-clearing operations and security assessments would be necessary before shipping lines fully restore normal services through the Strait.Container carriers may initially deploy additional vessels to clear cargo backlogs created during the crisis. Freight rates, which had surged during the disruption, are expected to soften as vessel movements normalise and insurance costs decline.The agreement has also revived discussions on the eventual reopening of the Red Sea-Suez Canal route, which could significantly reduce voyage times between Asia and Europe and release additional shipping capacity into global markets. “The more interesting question for global container shipping is when this would lead to a re-opening of the Suez route through the Red Sea,” said Larsen.Manufacturing companies with exposure to West Asia also welcomed the development. Anil Kumar Puttan, Chairman and Managing Director of the Bengaluru-based Unimech Aerospace, said normalisation of trade routes and improved investment confidence would support manufacturing, aerospace, energy and industrial infrastructure projects across the region.He added that localisation and supply-chain strengthening initiatives would play an important role in supporting the region’s long-term industrial development.The UK-based Lloyd’s List Intelligence in its reports said that the US-Iran agreement has injected a rare moment of relief into a region where merchant seafarers have paid the highest price. But while the headlines trumpet de-escalation, the maritime sector is treating the news with something closer to wary disbelief than celebration.Until the agreement is signed, the US naval blockade and Iran’s PGSA transit permission requirements both remain in force. No centre of gravity for Strait of Hormuz war risk insurance premiums appears to be in place at Lloyd’s right now, as marine underwriters attempt to parse the weekend’s political developments in the Middle East Gulf.Published on June 16, 2026
