INDIA PERSPECTIVE

A Marshall Islands-flagged Indian tanker, the Sarv Shakti, carrying approximately 45,000 tons of LPG, transited the Strait of Hormuz on May 2. NDTV highlights this as a rare crossing in the context of near-total blockage — a sign that India's neutrality in the US-Iranian conflict earns it preferential treatment from Tehran, which allows passage in exchange for tolls.

India watches the 'Project Freedom' announcement with caution. NDTV quotes Trump: 'American representatives are having very positive discussions with Iran.' New Delhi would prefer a diplomatic solution that doesn't force it to choose between its strategic partnership with Washington and its vital energy needs via Iran.

India has been targeted by US warnings on Iranian tolls: companies paying Tehran transit fees risk American sanctions. A dilemma for Indian buyers of Gulf oil and LNG trying to maintain supplies by any means.