The Indian government expressed "deep concern" over reports of a shooting incident involving two India-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, for a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to lodge a protest regarding the incident.

During the meeting, Misri stressed "the importance that India attached to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners." He also recalled that Tehran had previously facilitated the safe passage of several India-bound ships. Monitoring site TankerTrackers.com reported on X that "two Indian vessels were forced back west out of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran's Sepah (IRGC) Navy."

The representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, told news agency ANI that he was unaware of the event and emphasized that bilateral ties between Iran and India remained very strong. He also called for peace in the US-Israeli war with Iran, stating, "We don't want this war. We want peace, and we hope that the other side will also follow peace so that we can have a peaceful area."

The two vessels – one reportedly an Indian-flagged VLCC supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil – were among several ships attempting to transit the strait after Iran declared it open for shipping on Friday. However, a day later, Iran announced it had reimposed its blockade on the waterway, heightening risks of regional escalation.

The incident highlights the complex diplomatic relations between India and Iran, as well as persistent threats to international trade in this strategically vital chokepoint. India's protest reflects a firm stance on protecting economic and maritime interests, which could impact future negotiations and regional stability.

Source: www.dw.com