NEW DELHI : India is preparing to send vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to load up energy cargoes from suppliers in the Middle East, according to people familiar with the matter, the first time since the Iran conflict began that the country will do so.

The plans are finalized and ships will start attempting to cross the strait once the government gives its final approval, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. They didn’t give details on the timing of the shipments or the volumes involved . . .