India Summons Iran Envoy After Firing on Indian Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, April 2026 : India on Saturday summoned Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, following a reported firing incident involving Indian vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is understood to have lodged a strong protest with Tehran over the episode, which has raised fresh concerns about maritime security in one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.

According to officials, Indian-flagged vessels, including one believed to be a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), came under fire from gunboats of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Despite the alarming development, initial reports indicate that both the tanker and its crew are safe, and no casualties have been reported.

The incident was first flagged by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre, which issued a warning stating that a tanker was approached by two IRGC gunboats approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The vessels reportedly opened fire without issuing any prior communication over VHF channels. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

In a separate alert issued later in the day, UKMTO reported another incident involving a container ship around 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile, causing damage to some containers. However, no fire or environmental impact was reported. Shipping agencies have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in the region.

The developments come amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, with Iran asserting that control over the Strait of Hormuz has “reverted to its previous state.” A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters stated that the strategic waterway is now under strict supervision of the Iranian Armed Forces. The statement also accused the United States of engaging in “sea robbery” and “piracy” under the pretext of enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran further indicated that the current operational posture in the Strait would remain unchanged until restrictions imposed by the United States on Iranian maritime movement are lifted. The situation has added to uncertainty in global shipping lanes, particularly affecting oil transport routes critical to international markets.

Adding to the concerns, vessel tracking data cited by reports indicated that nearly ten ships altered their course on Saturday while attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. Several vessels reportedly turned back near Larak Island, a key monitoring point used by Iran to oversee maritime traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is a crucial artery for global energy supplies, with a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments passing through it daily. Any disruption in this region has immediate implications for global trade and energy security.

India, which relies heavily on energy imports through this route, is closely monitoring the situation. The MEA’s swift diplomatic response underscores the seriousness with which New Delhi views the safety of its vessels and crew operating in international waters.

As investigations continue, the incident is likely to further strain regional dynamics and prompt calls for enhanced maritime security coordination among global stakeholders.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)