SRINAGAR: India on Saturday summoned Iran’s ambassador and lodged a strong protest after two India-flagged vessels came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing multiple ships bound for Indian ports to turn back amid a rapidly escalating security situation in the region, according to official sources and media reports.
Sources cited by WION said Mohammad Fathali was called to the Ministry of External Affairs following the incident involving vessels navigating the narrow shipping lane earlier in the day. New Delhi conveyed its “serious concerns and displeasure” over the firing, which was attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the foreign secretary raised “deep concern” over the shooting incident and underscored India’s priority on maritime safety. “He noted the importance that India attaches to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners,” the statement said, adding that India urged Iran to facilitate the safe and early passage of India-bound ships through the strait.
The incident unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil flows, and comes amid renewed restrictions imposed by Iran after briefly signalling that the route was open to commercial shipping.
According to The Economic Times, a convoy of 14 ships carrying crude oil and gas to India was halted during transit, with IRGC gunboats opening fire on at least two vessels. Thirteen ships subsequently altered course and dispersed to locations within the Persian Gulf. One of the affected vessels suffered damage to a bridge window, while the extent of damage to the second remained unclear. No casualties have been reported.
WION, citing government sources and vessel tracking data, reported that two Indian vessels, Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, sustained minor damage after being struck by stray bullets during what officials described as warning fire. A supertanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi crude was among those forced to retreat. Two Iranian gunboats reportedly approached within about 37 kilometres northeast of Oman and opened fire without prior warning, prompting other ships to abort passage.
At least one India-bound tanker carrying crude for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited was, however, able to pass through the strait and is en route to India, sources said.
The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating measures to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels operating in the region, with officials reiterating that “the safety of seafarers remains the top priority,” as reported by WION.
The firing incident coincided with fresh uncertainty over the operational status of the strait. According to Associated Press and India Today, Iran had on Friday announced the reopening of the waterway following a ceasefire linked to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, but reversed its position within hours, reimposing strict controls and effectively closing transit again.
Broadcasts attributed to Iranian naval authorities warned that “no vessel of any type or nationality” would be allowed to pass, citing alleged violations by the United States. AP reported that Iran’s military command said control of the strait had returned to “strict management,” with the country vowing to block transits while a US-imposed blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
The developments are unfolding against the backdrop of stalled diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington. According to Anadolu Agency and other reports, Iran has not yet agreed to a fresh round of negotiations with the United States, citing what it described as “excessive demands” and the continuation of US pressure measures, including port blockades. While earlier rounds of talks mediated by Pakistan showed limited progress, no agreement has been reached, and uncertainty persists over future negotiations.
AP reported that new proposals have been exchanged through intermediaries, including Pakistan, but Iranian officials have indicated reluctance to resume face-to-face talks unless US positions soften. The broader conflict, which began with a US-Israel offensive on February 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation, remains under a fragile ceasefire.
India Today highlighted that the confusion over the strait’s status also reflects internal divergences within Iran’s power structure. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signalled that the strait would remain open for commercial shipping during the ceasefire period, the IRGC, which exercises operational control over maritime security, continued to enforce strict restrictions, including prior clearance and designated routes.
Experts cited by the publication described the situation as a form of “heterarchical governance,” where multiple centres of power operate simultaneously, often leading to conflicting signals. This dynamic has contributed to uncertainty for global shipping, with hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers reported to be awaiting clearance across the Gulf.
A day after signalling a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, Iran reversed course amid renewed tensions linked to the broader regional conflict. The initial announcement on Friday followed a 10-day truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon, briefly easing market concerns and pushing oil prices lower.
However, the situation shifted after Donald Trump said the United States would continue its blockade of Iranian ports “in full force” until a broader agreement is reached with Tehran. The blockade had been imposed after recent face-to-face talks between the two sides in Pakistan failed to produce a deal. According to US Central Command, American forces have already turned back 23 vessels since the enforcement of the blockade earlier in the week.
Iran strongly criticised the move, with Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh warning that US actions were “risking the international community” and could undermine the fragile ceasefire framework. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also termed the blockade a violation of the truce and asserted that Tehran would not allow any “conditional or limited reopening” of the strait.
The council, which has increasingly functioned as Iran’s top decision-making body during the conflict, said the country would maintain strict oversight of maritime movement through the waterway until the war fully ends. This includes enforcing designated shipping routes, levying transit-related requirements, and regulating passage through permits, underscoring Tehran’s intent to retain tight control over one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s position on maritime security, stating that “safe and unimpeded” transit through international waterways is essential and that attacks on merchant shipping are “completely unacceptable.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global energy supply chains, handling a substantial share of India’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports. The latest escalation has heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom remain cautious about resuming normal operations amid the ongoing geopolitical standoff and uncertainty over the security of the vital maritime corridor.
