Ministry of External Affairs summons Iran’s ambassador after Indian-flagged tanker comes under fire near Strait of Hormuz
April 18, 2026: India has lodged a strong protest after an Indian-flagged tanker, Sanmar Herald, was fired upon by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, for a meeting in New Delhi to convey its concerns over the incident. The move comes amid rising tensions in the region and concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes.
According to reports, Iranian gunboats opened fire at vessels attempting to cross the strait, while also issuing radio warnings that the route had been shut again. Maritime tracking data showed multiple LNG carriers from Qatar nearing the area at the time. The situation has heightened uncertainty for global shipping, as vessels navigating the crucial passage face increased risks.
The disruption has wider implications for global energy markets, with hundreds of ships reportedly stranded in the Persian Gulf since tensions escalated earlier this year. Major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait depend on uninterrupted access through the strait to sustain exports. Any prolonged disruption could significantly impact global oil and gas supplies.