New Delhi: India on Saturday summoned Iran’s ambassador after two Indian-flagged vessels came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in tensions in the critical energy waterway.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali in New Delhi and conveyed India’s “deep concern at the shooting incident”, the Ministry of External Affairs said. He urged Tehran to “resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait”.
An Indian government source said an Indian-flagged crude carrier, identified as the Sanmar Herald, was attacked while attempting to cross the strait. The crew and vessel were safe. Audio that surfaced online later captured a crew member telling the Iranian navy: “This is tanker Sanmar Herald. You gave me clearance to go… You are firing now. Let me turn back.”
The MEA noted that Iran had earlier facilitated the safe passage of several ships bound for India despite the strait being largely closed to other nations. India imports about 60 per cent of its liquefied petroleum gas through Hormuz, which handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil consumption daily.
The incident comes amid heightened US-Iran hostilities after Washington blockaded Iranian ports and Tehran declared the strait under its “strict control”. At least two merchant vessels were hit by gunfire on Saturday as they attempted the transit.
New Delhi called the attack a serious escalation and said it was closely monitoring the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.
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