New Delhi, April 18: India has issued a statement regarding the gunfire incident involving two Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs has articulated India’s position on the matter.
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referenced a conversation with the Iranian ambassador on social media. The statement reads:
“On Saturday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian ambassador for a meeting with the Foreign Secretary. During this meeting, the Foreign Secretary expressed India’s deep concern over the gunfire incident in the Strait of Hormuz, which involved two vessels flying the Indian flag.”
“He emphasized the importance India places on the safety of commercial ships and sailors, reminding that Iran has previously assisted in providing safe passage for many vessels heading to India.”
“Reiterating concerns over this serious incident of gunfire on commercial vessels, the Foreign Secretary urged the ambassador to convey India’s views to Iranian authorities and to expedite the process of ensuring safe passage for ships coming to India through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian ambassador assured that he would communicate these concerns to the relevant Iranian officials.”
It is noteworthy that on Saturday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning on its website indicating that gunboats attacked vessels approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The master of the tanker reported that two IRGC gunboats approached without any VHF warning and opened fire. Fortunately, the tanker and its crew were unharmed.
Subsequent foreign media reports confirmed that gunfire was directed at two vessels flying the Indian flag, namely ‘Jag Arnav’ and ‘Sanmar Herald.’ Initial reports indicated that ‘Jag Arnav’ was fired upon, while the second vessel remained safe.
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