Indian Oil Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz: How It Emerged Safely After Iranian Firing

Tehran: An Indian-flagged oil tanker has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian tanker crossed this tense waterway at a time when two other Indian vessels were forced to turn back following incidents of gunfire. India had conveyed its concerns regarding the safety of commercial vessels to Iran. According to information provided by the government regarding developments in West Asia, the crude oil-laden tanker *Desh Garima* crossed the strategic waterway on April 18 and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22. There were 31 Indian sailors on board the vessel.

What happened at Strait of Hormuz?

The Shipping Corporation of India tanker is the 10th Indian-flagged vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of March. Prior to this, the oil tanker 'Samar Herald' and the bulk carrier 'Jag Arnav' reported gunfire while passing through the Strait within the last 24 hours and subsequently returned to the Persian Gulf. However, there are no reports of any crew members being injured in these shooting incidents. According to a portal monitoring maritime vessel movements, the oil tankers *Desh Vaibhav* and *Desh Vibhor* also altered their courses near this waterway, bringing the total number of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf to 14.

Did India summon Iranian ambassador?

India's Foreign Secretary summoned the Iranian Ambassador in New Delhi to express deep concern over the incidents and underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial vessels and sailors. He urged Iran to convey India's position to its authorities and to facilitate the resumption of safe passage for vessels bound for India through this route as soon as possible. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India was summoned yesterday by the Ministry of External Affairs for a meeting with the Foreign Secretary. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary conveyed India's deep concern regarding the shooting incidents involving two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday morning. He highlighted the importance India attaches to the safety and security of commercial vessels and seafarers.

It was stated that, while reiterating his concern regarding this serious incident involving gunfire directed at commercial vessels, the Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India's perspective to the Iranian authorities. Furthermore, he requested that the process of facilitating the movement of vessels bound for India from the Strait be resumed as soon as possible. The public sector undertaking SCI owns the vessels 'Desh Vaibhav' and 'Desh Vibhor', while 'Sanmar Herald' is operated by Sanmar Shipping, and 'Jag Arnav' is operated by the Great Eastern Shipping Company.