The Indian government has formally summoned Iran’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Mohammad Fathali, to express “deep concern” after two Indian-flagged merchant vessels were fired upon today in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The diplomatic protest follows a spike in maritime tensions in the strategic waterway, which remains a critical artery for global energy supplies.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the Iranian envoy on Saturday evening. During the meeting, New Delhi emphasized the paramount importance it attaches to the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers.

Indian officials reportedly sought clarity on why civilian vessels were targeted, particularly as Iran had previously categorized India as a friendly nation and facilitated safe passage for its ships.

The two vessels involved have been identified as the Sanmar Herald, a tanker carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil from Iraq, and the Jag Arnav, a bulk carrier traveling from Saudi Arabia.

According to maritime security reports, the ships were approached and fired upon by gunboats linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) without radio warning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew members, and both vessels are said to be safe.

The incident occurred just hours after Iran’s military declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed” once again, following a brief reopening. The move is part of a broader standoff involving a U.S. naval blockade and ongoing regional conflict. While some merchant vessels had begun to transit the strait after a 50-day ban was briefly lifted, the sudden resumption of hostilities has left dozens of tankers stranded and heightened fears of a significant disruption to international trade.

India has urged Tehran to immediately resume the process of facilitating the safe transit of India-bound ships. Ambassador Fathali reportedly assured the Foreign Secretary that India’s concerns would be conveyed to authorities in Tehran. For now, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the situation from the Gulf of Oman, though no Indian warships are currently stationed within the Strait itself.