India, March 28 -- Iran is allowing Indian-flagged merchant vessels and tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz on a case-by-case basis and New Delhi remains engaged with key stakeholders to ensure the safe passage of ships through the critical waterway that was used to transport 50% of the country's oil imports, people familiar with the matter said.

Iran's foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said during an interview with state media on Thursday that Tehran has permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for "friendly nations" such as India, China, Iraq, Pakistan and Russia. So far, Iran has allowed four Indian-flagged LPG carriers to pass through the strait since the start of the West Asia conflict, and another 20 vessels are still l...