On April 18, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri summoned Iran’s Ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, expressing New Delhi’s “deep concern” over Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) gunboats firing on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident marks a significant escalation in the Gulf crisis impacting India since hostilities began on February 28.
One targeted vessel, the Sanmar Herald, an Indian supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil, had reportedly received clearance from the IRGC before being fired upon. An audio recording revealed a crew member pleading with the IRGC for safe passage, highlighting the contradictory nature of the situation where an authorized vessel became a target amid a volatile military context.
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its concerns, urging the ambassador to convey India’s stance to Iranian authorities and facilitate the safe passage of India-bound ships. Reports also indicated other vessels encountering aggressive behavior from IRGC gunboats, contributing to an environment of heightened tensions.
This incident coincided with conflicting statements from Iranian officials regarding the status of the Strait, showcasing a disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and military actions, raising alarms about the stability of commercial navigation in the region.
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