Strait of Hormuz incident: India protests Iranian gunfire at Indian-flagged oil vessels

Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil reportedly reversed course in the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian military gunfire. India summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raising concerns over merchant shipping safety. The episode follows renewed uncertainty over Hormuz commercial traffic and oil price pressure.

Two Indian-flagged crude oil vessels turned back in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The move followed reported gunfire by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. India responded by calling in Iran’s ambassador and registering a strong protest. The strait is a key route for oil shipments. Officials flagged safety risks for merchant ships and crews.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raised the issue with Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fathali. Misri shared India’s concern over the shooting involving two vessels. Misri also stressed the importance of secure passage for commercial ships. Misri recalled that Iran had earlier helped India-bound vessels move safely through the area.

Strait of Hormuz closure and oil price impact

Tehran had reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after a US and Israel attack on Iran six weeks ago. The strait carries one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. The restriction contributed to a rise in oil prices. Iran said on Friday it reopened the route for commercial vessels. Several ships then attempted transit.

Iran said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz was closed again. Tehran alleged the US breached an understanding between the two sides. The shifting position added to uncertainty for shipping firms. It also created concern for countries that depend on the route. India is among the major buyers affected by disruption in crude movement.

Strait of Hormuz incident and India’s protest

In the meeting, Misri asked Mohammad Fathali to pass India’s view to Iranian authorities. The MEA described the firing as a serious incident. Misri also urged Iran to restart steps to help India-bound ships cross safely. The MEA said the ambassador agreed to convey India’s views to authorities in Iran.

Government sources earlier said Mohammad Fathali was summoned to the MEA. The sources said India lodged a strong protest over the firing. Vessel tracker TankerTrackers.com earlier reported the two Indian vessels reversed course. The report said the turnback followed gunfire in the strait from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Strait of Hormuz shipping safety and regional talks

Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about maritime safety. Jaishankar highlighted India’s support for safe and unimpeded transit passage. Jaishankar also said attacks on merchant shipping were unacceptable. Jaishankar made the comments during an online meeting called by Japan. The meeting focused on supply chain disruption in energy markets.

Officials said India’s focus remained on protecting merchant shipping and mariners. The MEA’s account linked the latest incident to broader concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. India also sought a return to facilitated movement for India-bound vessels. The episode followed Iran’s reopening and reclosure of the route. It also came amid higher oil prices and volatile shipping conditions.

With inputs from PTI