The Ministry of External Affairs summons Iran's ambassador following shooting incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Category: World News
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned Iranian ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali to lodge a formal protest after Iranian forces fired upon two Indian-flagged tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen in a trending post on r/worldnews. The incident, which occurred on April 18, 2026, has raised serious concerns over the safety of merchant shipping in a region known for its strategic importance.
The MEA's meeting with the Iranian envoy took place at 6:30 PM, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed India's deep concern over the incident. "The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi was called in by the Ministry of External Affairs for a meeting with Foreign Secretary this evening," the MEA stated. Misri emphasized the importance India places on the safety of merchant shipping and mariners, recalling that Iran had previously facilitated safe passage for several ships bound for India.
During the meeting, Misri urged the ambassador to convey India's views to Iranian authorities and to resume facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait at the earliest. The Iranian ambassador undertook to communicate these concerns to Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime corridor, handling about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Recent tensions have raised alarms about the safety of vessels operating in the area, particularly for countries like India that rely heavily on energy imports.
On the same day as the MEA's protest, the UK Navy reported that Iranian gunboats fired on ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Two Indian vessels, the *Sanmar Herald* and *Jag Arnav*, were confirmed to be involved in the incident, both carrying around 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil. Reports indicate that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy forced these ships to reverse course following gunfire.
According to shipping sources, some merchant vessels received radio messages from Iran's navy stating that the strait was closed again, with no ships allowed to pass. This comes after Iran had temporarily reopened the Strait on April 17, following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Currently, the Indian Navy is investigating the incident, as there were no Indian Navy ships present in the Strait at the time of the firing. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the situation to secure the safety of Indian seafarers and India-flagged ships operating in the region.
Reports indicate that at least two other merchant vessels were also affected by the gunfire during their attempts to navigate through the strait. The situation has led to heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom are cautious about resuming normal operations in this volatile area.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of increasing military tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides enforcing rival restrictions on maritime movement. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced that the Strait was open for all commercial vessels, yet the IRGC has continued to enforce strict rules requiring prior permission and designated routes for transit.
On April 18, the IRGC's armed forces command declared that transit through the strait had reverted to strict Iranian military control, citing repeated violations and acts of piracy under the guise of a blockade. The military spokesperson stated that Iran had initially agreed to facilitate the passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial vessels but felt compelled to restore tighter controls due to continued US actions.
In the aftermath of these events, reactions have varied. One commentator noted the precariousness of maritime security in the region, emphasizing the need for diplomatic measures to prevent escalation. Another user highlighted the implications for global oil supply, stressing how disruptions in the Strait could lead to increased prices and economic instability.
Meanwhile, a shipping industry expert pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has left a large number of vessels stranded, with nearly 20,000 seafarers awaiting clearance to move. The situation is being closely watched by international maritime authorities.
According to data from maritime tracking services, hundreds of ships have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the conflict between the US-Israel and Iran began on February 28. The recent firing incident has forced multiple vessels, including Greek tankers, to turn back due to safety concerns.
The firing incident and subsequent diplomatic fallout signal a potential shift in Iran's maritime policy, especially as it navigates complex geopolitical tensions. The Iranian government's fluctuating stance on the Strait of Hormuz raises questions about future shipping operations and the safety of international crews.
There remains skepticism about Iran's commitment to ensuring safe passage for vessels. Past incidents have shown that promises can quickly shift in response to regional tensions. The international community is closely monitoring Iran's actions following the latest developments.
As the situation evolves, the Indian government is likely to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue and secure the safety of its maritime interests. The MEA's strong protest may lead to renewed discussions on maritime security protocols in the region.
With tensions high and the stakes even higher, the coming days will be telling in how both nations navigate this precarious moment in their relationship.
This article is based on a discussion trending on Reddit. The claims and opinions expressed in the original post and comments do not necessarily represent verified reporting.