‘Deeply Disturbed’: India Raises Concern Over Firing On Indian Tankers In Hormuz

The attack, which took place on Saturday, has raised alarms about the safety of maritime trade routes in this vital waterway.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri | PTI Image

India has expressed deep concerns over the incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where two Indian-flagged vessels came under fire. The attack, which took place on Saturday, has raised alarms about the safety of maritime trade routes in this vital waterway.

At a press briefing in Colombo on Sunday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed India’s deep unease over the incident.

“We are extremely disturbed by the attacks that took place on merchant mariners,” adding that India has made its position clear to the Iranian authorities.

Misri stressed the importance of maintaining international waterways as free and open for unimpeded passage, particularly for critical global trade, including energy-related commerce.

“We have also maintained very, very clearly that international waterways must remain free and open for unimpeded passage of shipping of all kinds, whether it is energy-related trade or other kinds of commerce.”

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“We have expressed our very deep concern to Iranian authorities and conveyed the need for respect for the safety of mariners and for the principle of unimpeded passage through international waterways,” Misri said.

The two vessels involved in the attack were carrying crude oil and were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane that handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The vessels, identified as the large crude carrier Samnar Herad and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav, reported that they were fired upon while crossing the strait. Both ships were forced to return to the Persian Gulf, though no injuries were reported among the crew members.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the incident and summoned the Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, for a formal protest.

The ministry also urged Fathali to convey India’s concerns to the Iranian authorities and to resume facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait of Hormuz.

(With inputs from agencies)

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