Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India | Photo Credit: Ravi Choudhary

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali on Saturday for a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri over the shooting incident involving Indian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz (SoH).

During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s deep concern at the shooting incident yesterday involving two Indian-flagged ships in SoH. He noted the importance that India attached to the safety of merchant shipping and mariners.

“Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India’s views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait,” the MEA said.

In the past 24 hours, two Indian vessels—a very large crude carrier (VLCC) Sanmar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav—reported a firing incident while transiting the SoH, following which they returned to the Persian Gulf. No injury to any crew has been reported, the Shipping Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026. The vessel, with 31 Indian seafarers onboard, is expected to arrive at Mumbai on April 22.

Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal against bookings with more than 53.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders delivered on Saturday. Since March 23, 2026, more than 18.33 lakh 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.

Similarly, a total of 1,67,775 tonnes of commercial LPG, which is equivalent to more than 88.3 lakh of 19 Kg LPG cylinders, have been sold since March 14, 2026. This includes more than 9,600 tonnes of Auto LPG.

Published on April 19, 2026