JUST IN: India Expresses “Deep Concern” and Summons Iranian Ambassador After IRGC Gunboats Fire on Indian-Flagged Oil Tanker Sanmar Herald in Strait of Hormuz

By Reflecto News Staff
April 18, 2026

India has strongly protested an attack on two Indian-flagged vessels, including the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Sanmar Herald, in the Strait of Hormuz today. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats reportedly opened fire on the ships as they attempted to transit the strategic waterway, forcing both to turn back. The crew members on board are safe, and no significant damage or injuries have been reported.

The incident occurred shortly after a brief reopening of the strait, during which at least eight vessels had reportedly crossed following a prolonged 50-day blockade linked to U.S.-Iran tensions.

Map of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint between Iran and Oman that carries approximately 20% of global oil trade.

Details of the Attack

According to Indian government sources and maritime tracking data:

• The Sanmar Herald, an Indian-flagged supertanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil, was among the vessels targeted.
• A second Indian-flagged ship, the bulk carrier Jag Arnav (reportedly carrying urea), was also involved in the incident.
• IRGC gunboats approached and fired (described in some accounts as warning shots or direct fire), prompting the vessels to reverse course.
• Audio recordings captured the captain of one vessel pleading with Iranian forces, noting that clearance had reportedly been given earlier.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and vessel trackers confirmed the ships turned back near the strait after the gunfire.

Iranian IRGC Navy fast-attack craft, typical of the vessels used in operations in the confined waters of the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf.

India’s Diplomatic Response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acted swiftly:

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali for an urgent meeting.
• India conveyed its “deep concern” over the “serious incident of firing on merchant ships.”
• The MEA urged Iran to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and commercial shipping and to resume facilitating India-bound vessels “at the earliest.”

Ambassador Fathali undertook to convey India’s views to Tehran. New Delhi has emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in international waters and the safety of its mariners.

This marks the latest strain in India-Iran relations amid the broader maritime security crisis in the Gulf, even as India maintains strategic interests in the region, including the Chabahar Port project.

Background: Brief Reopening Followed by Renewed Restrictions

The attack follows a period of uncertainty:

• Iran had briefly reopened the strait to commercial traffic after a reported 50-day blockade tied to U.S. naval enforcement actions.
• At least eight vessels reportedly transited during the short window.
• Iran then reimposed strict military controls, citing the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
• This led to confusion, with some ships receiving clearance only to face gunfire or forced reversals.

The episode aligns with escalating rhetoric from Iranian officials, including threats from the IRGC Navy and statements from senior leaders asserting control over the strait.

Potential Implications

• For India: The incident highlights risks to Indian energy imports and seafarers. India, a major importer of Gulf crude, is closely monitoring developments.
• For Global Shipping: Renewed threats could raise insurance premiums, disrupt supply chains, and affect oil prices.
• For Regional Stability: It adds to tensions involving U.S. plans to board Iran-linked tankers globally and stalled nuclear diplomacy.

No official Iranian comment on the specific incident with the Indian vessels has been detailed beyond general assertions of control over the strait.

Reflecto News will continue monitoring diplomatic exchanges, any further maritime incidents, responses from Tehran or Washington, and impacts on global energy security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happened to the Sanmar Herald?
The Indian-flagged VLCC supertanker Sanmar Herald, carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi crude, came under fire from IRGC gunboats while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. It turned back safely along with another Indian vessel, Jag Arnav. The crew is safe.

Why did India summon the Iranian ambassador?
To lodge a strong protest and convey “deep concern” over the firing on Indian-flagged merchant ships, demanding assurances for the safety of Indian vessels and resumption of safe passage.

What was the context of the incident?
It occurred after a brief reopening of the strait (following a reported 50-day blockade), during which at least eight vessels had crossed. Iran then reimposed restrictions amid ongoing U.S.-Iran naval tensions.

Were there injuries or damage?
No injuries or major damage have been reported. The vessels reversed course after the gunfire.

How significant is the Strait of Hormuz?
It is a vital global chokepoint for oil shipments. Disruptions here can quickly impact energy prices and international shipping.

For continued coverage of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, India-Iran relations, and maritime security in the Persian Gulf, stay with Reflecto News.

All information is based on official MEA statements, Reuters, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, and verified maritime security reports as of April 18, 2026.