Attack on two Indian ships in Hormuz - Foreign Minister summons and scolds Iranian Ambassador in New Delhi

New Delhi has immediately summoned the Iranian ambassador and expressed its deep concern over an incident on Saturday, April 18, 2026, where two merchant vessels sailing under the Indian flag near the Strait of Hormuz were attacked by gunboats of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This shooting was reported after the Iranian armed forces once again closed the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iranian Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali to meet with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to convey this diplomatic protest.

The vessels attacked were the 'Sanmar Herald', a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) transporting approximately two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil, and the 'Jag Arnav', both Indian vessels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that these vessels were fired upon in a sea area approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. Audio recordings have confirmed that the shooting occurred without any provocation, despite the ship's captain having obtained prior clearance. Immediately after the attack, both vessels abandoned their journey, turned back west, and proceeded to a safe location.

Reports indicate that while the crew members of the vessels sustained no injuries due to the shooting, the vessels themselves suffered minor damage. During the discussion with the ambassador, the Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized India's strong concern for the safety of merchant vessels and seafarers, and requested Iranian authorities to promptly reopen a safe passage for vessels bound for India, as before. The Iranian ambassador agreed to convey India's views and requests to his government.

This critical sea lane, through which about twenty percent of the global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes, is currently facing a severe crisis due to Iran's ongoing conflict with American and Israeli forces. Officials, including Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran's National Security Commission, have stated that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to naval sanctions imposed by the United States on Iranian ports. Although several commercial vessels, including Indian ships, were previously allowed to pass based on a short-term understanding, the Iranian Joint Armed Forces Command Headquarters has again tightened control over the strait, accusing the US of violating those agreements.

This unexpected blockade poses a severe threat to India's energy security, particularly for the import of cooking gas (LPG) and crude oil, and also jeopardizes the safety of nearly 485 Indian seafarers in the region. Reports indicate that several Indian vessels are currently stranded west of the Strait, and market data shows that global oil prices have instantly surged due to the obstruction of one of the world's primary energy transportation sea lanes.