Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, April 18 

India summoned Iran’s ambassador on Saturday after gunfire was reported near merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the safety of shipping in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

The Ministry of External Affairs said two Indian-flagged ships were forced to turn back following the incident, prompting New Delhi to lodge a formal protest with Tehran.

“The ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran was called in and India conveyed its deep concern over the shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged vessels,” spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that India stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged Iran to take immediate steps to facilitate the safe passage of India-bound ships through the strait, the ministry said, noting that Tehran had previously assisted such transit.

The Iranian envoy said he would convey India’s concerns to authorities in Tehran, according to the statement.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions affecting maritime routes in the Gulf. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker in the area was struck by an unidentified projectile, causing limited damage, though no casualties were reported.

Shipping data cited by media reports indicated that one of the vessels involved was an Indian-flagged supertanker carrying Iraqi crude oil. The incident was reported about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments, making any disruption a potential risk to energy supplies and trade flows.

Indian officials said diplomatic channels remain engaged with Iran, while urging urgent measures to restore safe navigation through the waterway.