India summons Iranian envoy over firing at India-flagged ships in Hormuz

India has summoned Iran's Ambassador to New Delhi Mohammad Fathali, lodging a strong protest after Iranian forces allegedly fired at two India-flagged cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The envoy was called to the foreign ministry in New Delhi this evening (18 April).

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the ambassador met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who conveyed India's "deep concern" over the incident.

"During the meeting, Foreign Secretary conveyed India's deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz," the statement said.

Misri stressed the importance India places on the safety of merchant shipping and mariners, recalling that Iran had earlier facilitated the safe passage of several India-bound vessels.

Reiterating concern "at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships," he urged the ambassador to convey India's position to authorities in Iran and resume facilitating safe passage for ships heading to India through the strait.

The Iranian envoy assured that he would communicate these concerns to Tehran, the statement added.

The incident reportedly involved two India-flagged vessels carrying energy supplies, including a super tanker said to be transporting around two million tonnes of Iraqi crude oil. The ships were allegedly fired upon by the Iranian navy north of Oman and were forced to turn back.

The development comes amid heightened volatility in the Strait of Hormuz. Several commercial vessels attempted to cross after Iran announced yesterday that the waterway had been reopened, following a 50-day blockade.

However, Iran reimposed restrictions today and reportedly opened fire on at least two merchant ​vessels, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and energy flows through one of the world's most critical shipping routes.

Shipping data showed that more than a dozen tankers, including three sanctioned vessels, managed to pass through before Iran reimposed restrictions on Saturday and reportedly opened fire on at least two merchant ships.

The renewed tensions have raised fresh concerns over maritime security and global energy flows through the strategic channel, which handles around 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments.

Earlier this week, India told the United Nations General Assembly that attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz were "totally unacceptable" and called for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the vital waterway.