India Summons Iran Envoy After Strait of Hormuz Incident

On April 18, 2026, two Indian-flagged merchant vessels came under fire from Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting India to summon the Iranian ambassador and escalating concerns over a vital global shipping route. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, as both nations imposed restrictions on maritime access in the strategic waterway.

The vessels, identified as the Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were transporting approximately 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil when they encountered gunfire while attempting to transit the strait. According to vessel tracking data, both ships reversed course and returned safely, with no reported injuries or damage. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi responded swiftly, summoning Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali to Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan that evening. Officials lodged a formal protest, urging Tehran to ensure safe passage for India-bound ships and to address the security threats disrupting international commerce.

Iran's representative of the Supreme Leader in India, Dr. Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, addressed the episode the following day in Hyderabad, emphasizing the robustness of...