Tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s IRGC gunboats opened fire on two ships flying the Indian flag, prompting a swift diplomatic rebuke from New Delhi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali on Saturday, voicing profound unease over the morning’s brazen attacks.
Both vessels—a tanker and a container ship—escaped serious damage, with crews confirmed unharmed. Yet, the MEA’s statement painted a picture of deep apprehension, stressing India’s commitment to safeguarding global trade routes and the lives of sailors navigating them.
Misri reminded the ambassador of Iran’s historical cooperation in securing safe passages for Indian merchant ships. He demanded that Tehran expedite measures to prevent future incidents and ensure smooth sailing for vessels heading to Indian ports. The ambassador pledged to communicate these urgings to his government without delay.
Earlier alerts from UKMTO outlined the sequences: In the first case, a tanker’s master reported two IRGC boats approaching aggressively, firing cannons sans any radio alert, roughly 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. A parallel incident struck another ship 25 nautical miles away. Authorities are probing both events amid calls for accountability.
For India, a nation importing over 80% of its oil via Hormuz, this breach hits close to home. The strait remains a geopolitical flashpoint, and New Delhi’s response signals zero tolerance for disruptions that could ripple through energy markets and supply chains worldwide. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely for signs of restraint from all sides.
