JUST IN: India Summons Iranian Ambassador After Iranian Gunboats Fire on Two Indian-Flagged Vessels in Strait of Hormuz
By Reflecto News Staff
April 18, 2026
India has summoned Iran’s Ambassador to New Delhi, Mohammad Fathali, to lodge a strong protest after two Indian-flagged vessels came under gunfire from Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026. The incident occurred as Iran reimposed strict military controls and restrictions on shipping through the critical waterway, forcing the vessels to reverse course.
No injuries or major damage were reported, but the episode has raised serious concerns over the safety of Indian mariners and commercial shipping in one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes.
Map of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman that handles approximately 20% of global oil trade.
Details of the Incident
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Ambassador Fathali and conveyed India’s deep concern over the shooting incident involving the two Indian-flagged ships. Misri urged Iran to ensure the safety of merchant vessels and to resume facilitating the smooth passage of India-bound ships at the earliest.
One of the affected vessels was identified as the Sanmar Herald, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) supertanker reportedly carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi oil. Reports indicate that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy gunboats opened fire (described as warning shots in some accounts), prompting the ships to turn back westward out of the strait.
Vessel tracking data and maritime security sources confirmed that multiple ships, including Indian-flagged ones, reversed course amid the gunfire and renewed restrictions.
Iranian IRGC Navy fast-attack craft operating in the Persian Gulf region. Iran’s naval strategy in the strait often relies on swarms of small, agile vessels.
India’s Official Response
The MEA issued a statement emphasizing:
- Deep concern at the “serious incident of firing on merchant ships.”
- The importance India attaches to the safety of its seafarers and commercial shipping.
- A call on Iran to convey these views to its authorities and immediately facilitate safe passage for India-bound vessels.
Ambassador Fathali reportedly undertook to convey India’s concerns to Tehran. India has also been in touch with its naval authorities, though no Indian Navy warships were present in the strait at the time of the incident.
This diplomatic summons comes just hours after Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Iran’s navy was ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on the US and Israel, amid ongoing tensions over US naval operations in the region.
Background: Renewed Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
The incident follows Iran’s recent reimposition of military controls on the strait, in response to what Tehran calls US “blockade” and “piracy” actions against Iranian ports. Earlier signals from Iranian officials had suggested the waterway would remain open for commercial traffic, including India-bound ships, but conflicting messages and IRGC actions created confusion and risk.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint. Disruptions here can quickly impact energy markets, shipping insurance rates, and supply chains for oil-importing nations like India, which relies heavily on Gulf crude.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose recent statements on naval readiness have heightened regional concerns.
Implications for India-Iran Relations and Global Shipping
India maintains significant economic ties with Iran, including historical energy imports (though reduced under sanctions) and the strategic Chabahar Port project. However, New Delhi has consistently prioritized the safety of its vessels and crew in international waters.
The episode adds to broader maritime security challenges in the region, coming amid stalled US-Iran nuclear talks, fragile ceasefires elsewhere, and ongoing naval posturing by multiple powers.
Analysts note that while no major damage occurred, repeated incidents could raise insurance premiums and deter shipping companies from using the route, indirectly affecting global oil prices and India’s energy security.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring developments, including any Iranian response, further maritime incidents, and updates from the Indian government or Navy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly happened to the Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz?
Two Indian-flagged ships, including the supertanker Sanmar Herald, came under gunfire from Iranian IRGC Navy gunboats while attempting to transit the strait. The vessels reversed course; no injuries or significant damage were reported.
Why did India summon the Iranian ambassador?
India lodged a strong protest and conveyed “deep concern” over the shooting incident, urging Iran to ensure safe passage for merchant ships and resume facilitating India-bound traffic.
Who met the Iranian ambassador?
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Ambassador Mohammad Fathali on April 18, 2026, at the Ministry of External Affairs.
Is the Strait of Hormuz currently closed?
Iran has reimposed military controls and restrictions, leading to mixed signals and incidents. While some passages were previously facilitated, recent gunfire has forced ships to turn back.
What is India’s broader concern?
India prioritizes the safety of its seafarers and commercial shipping in international waters, especially in a critical energy route on which it heavily depends.
How does this relate to recent regional tensions?
The incident occurs amid heightened friction involving US naval operations, Iranian responses, and stalled nuclear diplomacy, following Khamenei’s strong naval warnings earlier today.
For the latest updates on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, India-Iran relations, and developments in the Middle East, stay tuned to Reflecto News — your source for accurate, timely, and balanced coverage.
All information is based on official MEA statements, reports from Reuters, NDTV, Times of India, Dawn, and other verified sources as of April 18, 2026.