Tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after reports emerged of firing incidents involving two Indian-flagged oil tankers, triggering serious concern in New Delhi and drawing global attention to the strategically vital maritime corridor. India has taken the matter up diplomatically with Iran, immediately initiating high-level communication with Tehran following the incident.
According to initial reports, the vessels were transiting through the Hormuz Strait when they came under small arms fire. The attack reportedly resulted in damage to the bridge windows of both ships. However, the Indian government confirmed that no crew members were injured and that the overall technical damage to the vessels remained limited. A tanker captain is reported to have stated that gunboats linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) approached the ships before opening fire.
Following the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs of India summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri raising strong concerns over the safety of Indian nationals and maritime assets. India stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted and secure passage for commercial shipping in the region, while also conveying its dissatisfaction over the incident and seeking clarity from Iranian authorities.
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IRGC fired on Indian-flagged VLCC supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil at strait of HormuzIncident took place 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman. The tanker & crew have been reported safe
it has come under fire from two gunboats operated by IRGC
1/6 https://t.co/g5qavD6qcL pic.twitter.com/S8JLhEWqcW
— Defence News Of INDIA (@DefenceNewsOfIN) April 18, 2026
The situation has gained further attention after an audio clip purportedly surfaced, capturing the panic and distress of crew members aboard one of the affected vessels. In the recording, a crew member is heard expressing alarm over the sudden firing and pleading for safe passage. The clip has intensified concerns over the security of seafarers operating in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime routes.
Meanwhile, diplomatic signals from Iran have presented a mixed picture. While Iran’s representative in India, Dr. Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, stated that Tehran does not seek conflict and remains committed to peace, statements from senior Iranian political figures indicate a firmer stance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Given that the Hormuz Strait is a critical chokepoint for global crude oil shipments, any disruption in the region is expected to have significant implications for international energy markets and global trade stability.