In a significant diplomatic escalation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Iranian Ambassador to New Delhi on Saturday evening. The move follows a “serious incident” involving gunfire directed at two Indian-flagged merchant ships earlier today.
The Foreign Secretary met with the Iranian envoy to formally register India’s “deep concern” regarding the safety of its maritime assets and personnel. According to an official statement released by the MEA, two Indian-flagged vessels were involved in a shooting incident in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane.
The Foreign Secretary emphasized the high priority India places on the safety of merchant shipping and the protection of mariners.
While expressing concern, India also acknowledged past cooperation, noting that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of several India-bound ships.
New Delhi has urged Iranian authorities to immediately resume the process of ensuring safe passage for ships bound for India through the Strait.
The Iranian Ambassador has reportedly undertaken to convey India’s concerns and views to the higher authorities in Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most sensitive chokepoints for global energy supplies.
