Dr Mohammad Fathali alongside a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, April 18, summoned Iran’s ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, to lodge a formal protest after two Indian-flagged tankers were fired upon near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the MEA, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed “deep concern” over the incident during a meeting with the envoy, stressing the importance India attaches to the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers. He urged Tehran to resume facilitating safe passage for India-bound vessels at the earliest.
The Iranian envoy said he would convey India’s concerns to authorities in Tehran. The incident involved two large crude oil tankers — Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald — carrying Iraqi oil, which were reportedly fired upon north of Oman, prompting heightened concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
This post was last modified on April 18, 2026 9:30 pm