India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on 18/4 that two crude oil tankers flying its flag were attacked while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz the same day. The attack occurred after Iran announced it would reimpose restrictions on shipping activities in the strait, reversing a declaration on 17/4 that it would be fully open to commercial vessels.
India summoned Tehran's Ambassador to New Delhi, Mohammad Fathali, to meet with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. During the meeting, Misri expressed deep concern over the shooting incident involving the two ships in the strait.
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A boat passes a ship anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off Qeshm island, Iran, on 18/4. Photo: AP |
A boat passes a ship anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off Qeshm island, Iran, on 18/4. Photo: AP
New Delhi also called on Iran to "resume facilitating passage for India-bound ships through the strait as soon as possible". A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs indicated that Ambassador Fathali agreed to convey these views to the Iranian government.
Maritime intelligence site TankerTrackers stated on X that "two Indian ships were forced to turn back west, out of the Strait of Hormuz, by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy", adding that one of the two vessels was a "supertanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi oil".
An anonymous Indian government source stated that one of the two ships attacked was identified as the Sanmar Herald, adding that both the crew and the vessel were safe after the incident.
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz and shipping routes through the area. Graphic: Guardian |
Location of the Strait of Hormuz and shipping routes through the area. Graphic: Guardian
India, the world's second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has been working to ensure safe corridors for its flagged vessels in recent weeks.
The country currently imports about 60% of its LPG needs and has been facing severe gas shortages since the Middle East conflict erupted on 28/2.
New Delhi maintains warm relations with Tehran but is also expanding cooperation with Iran's rival, Israel, in areas such as defense, agriculture, technology, and cybersecurity.
Thanh Tam (AFP, Reuters)
