The Ministry of External Affairs summons Iranian envoy following firing incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Category: Politics
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iranian ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali on April 18, 2026, to lodge a formal protest after two Indian-flagged tankers were fired upon by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which raised serious concerns about maritime safety, involved the vessels Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, both carrying around two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil. Fortunately, reports indicated that the crew and the vessels were safe, though the firing forced them to reverse course.
The MEA meeting took place at 6:30 PM, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed India's deep concern over the shooting incident. He emphasized the importance that India places on the safety of merchant shipping and mariners, recalling that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of several ships bound for India. Misri urged the Iranian envoy to communicate India's views to Tehran and to resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait.
According to reports from the UK Navy, Iranian gunboats fired at multiple ships attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz on the same day. The situation escalated as Iranian naval forces communicated via radio that the strait was once again closed to all vessels, citing violations by the United States as a justification for these actions. This announcement came after a brief reopening of the strait, which had been closed for several weeks due to heightened tensions in the region.
The Iranian armed forces had stated that they were reasserting strict control over the strategic waterway following a series of incidents involving US-Israeli military actions. The radio message broadcast by Iran's navy warned, "Attention all ships, concerning the failure of the US government to fulfill its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz." This declaration underscored the precarious situation for maritime navigation in one of the world's most important oil corridors.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian Navy is currently working to ascertain the details of the firing, noting that there were no Indian Navy ships present in the Strait of Hormuz during the incident. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Shipping in India is closely monitoring the situation to guarantee the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels operating in the region.
Shipping sources indicated that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had enforced these restrictions, which included prior clearance for vessels attempting to navigate the strait. The IRGC's actions have raised alarms among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom are hesitant to resume normal operations in the region due to safety concerns.
The broader geopolitical backdrop includes the US-Iran tensions that have intensified since February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel began military operations against Iranian interests. Hundreds of ships have been stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the closure of the strait, leading to a sharp decline in oil and gas production from Gulf nations.
On April 17, Iran had temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This reopening allowed a convoy of eight tankers to transit the strait, marking the first major movement of vessels since the onset of the conflict. US President Donald Trump remarked on the positive developments concerning Iran but warned that fighting could resume if a peace deal was not reached by the expiration of the ceasefire.
The firing incident involving the Indian vessels has drawn attention to the precarious nature of maritime security in the region. Reports suggest that at least two merchant vessels, including the Indian tankers, were forced to turn back after being fired upon. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also confirmed a security incident approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, where the IRGC boats were reported to have opened fire.
In light of these developments, the Indian government is taking steps to address the safety of its maritime interests. The MEA's statement emphasized the importance of ensuring safe passage for Indian-flagged ships and reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding its seafarers.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the situation remains fluid, with many ships still awaiting clearance to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a key artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, handling approximately one-fifth of the world's energy supplies.
In this increasingly complex geopolitical environment, the implications of these incidents extend beyond immediate maritime safety concerns, potentially affecting global oil markets and diplomatic relations in the region.
The situation is being closely monitored by various stakeholders, including international shipping firms and governments, as they assess the risks involved in operating in this volatile maritime corridor.
In the meantime, Indian officials are seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding the firing incidents and are advocating for measures to prevent future occurrences. The Iranian ambassador has undertaken to communicate India's concerns to the authorities in Tehran, highlighting the necessity of maintaining open channels of dialogue to resolve these issues amicably.