Iran fires on Indian ships near Hormuz; India summons Tehran envoy
Iran fires on Indian ships near Hormuz; India summons Tehran envoy
Tensions surge as Iran fires at Indian-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Delhi to summon the Iranian envoy and demand safe passage for India-bound ships.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after Iran’s naval forces fired at merchant ships attempting to cross the narrow waterway, prompting India to summon the Iranian envoy and demand safer passage for its vessels. The incident comes as Tehran’s action is framed by broader tensions over international sanctions and regional security.
India’s Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey New Delhi’s concerns to Iranian authorities and pressed for an early resumption of transit facilitation for India-bound ships through the strait. The Iranian side committed to relaying these views, signaling a diplomatic channel remains open even as the firepower in the area underscored the fragility of shipping routes that connect the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
Across the corridor, a tally of India-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf has risen to 14, with Desh Garima, a SCI-owned tanker, crossing the strait and entering the Gulf of Oman. Desh Garima is the tenth India-flagged vessel to traverse since early March, illustrating both the persistence of trade flows and the risk embedded in the passage. Several other vessels—Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Jag Arnav—were reported attempting crossings but appeared to have turned back amid the heightened risk.
International naval observers have noted the volatility, with a UK Navy briefing indicating Iranian gunboats fired at ships attempting to cross the strait during the latest incidents. In the midst of these developments, Indian officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding India’s shipping interests and urged Tehran to maintain a predictable and secure passage for commerce.
In Delhi, officials described the talks as ongoing and emphasized that diplomacy remains the primary instrument to ensure the safety of India-bound vessels and regional stability. The government will continue to press for de-escalation while monitoring shipping data and coordinating with international partners to safeguard maritime routes through Hormuz.
