India summons Iran envoy over firing on Indian vessels, seeks safe Hormuz transit

India summons Iranian envoy after Indian-flagged vessel was fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz; no injuries reported, as New Delhi raises concerns and steps up efforts to protect seafarers.

In Short

• India questions authority under which Iranian forces opened fire on vessels
• Ministry of External Affairs seeks clarity on Iranian forces' authority
• Government to convey serious concerns and displeasure over the incident

India has raised serious concerns with Iran after firing incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, stepping up diplomatic engagement as tensions in the crucial shipping lane intensify.

The Iranian Ambassador in New Delhi was called in for a meeting with the Foreign Secretary this evening, where India conveyed its concern over the shooting incident earlier in the day involving two Indian-flagged ships.

The Foreign Secretary stressed the importance India attaches to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners, and referred to earlier instances where Iran had facilitated safe passage for India-bound vessels.

He urged the Iranian side to resume efforts to ensure the safe movement of ships through the Strait at the earliest.

The Iranian Ambassador assured that India’s concerns would be conveyed to authorities in Tehran.

FIRING INCIDENT TRIGGERS DIPLOMATIC RESPONSE

The move follows reports that Indian-flagged vessels were caught in firing incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive maritime routes.

Government sources said India would convey its “serious concerns and displeasure” over the episode and seek clarity on the circumstances under which civilian shipping came under fire.

Questions have also been raised over the authority under which such action was taken against vessels transiting the international waterway.

INDIAN VESSELS FORCED TO ALTER COURSE

Officials indicated that at least two Indian vessels were caught at a diversion point near Larak island and had to turn back, while one vessel managed to cross earlier in the day.

Since morning, multiple India-flagged or India-bound ships had approached the Strait, but several were forced to return amid rising tensions.

No injuries or damage to vessels have been reported so far.

SAFETY OF SEAFARERS A PRIORITY

Authorities said the Directorate General of Shipping is closely tracking the situation and coordinating measures to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels operating in the region.

India has reiterated that the security of its maritime traffic remains a key concern.

TENSIONS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint that carries nearly a fifth of the world’s oil trade.

Recent days have seen increased military activity, with vessels facing restrictions and disruptions in movement, raising concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and the risk of further escalation.

- Ends
With inputs from Pranay Upadhyaya