India issued statement on firing in Hormuz Strait, Foreign Secretary spoke to Iranian envoy

New Delhi. India has reacted to the firing on two Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement presenting India’s side. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned India’s conversation with the Iranian Ambassador on social media platforms.

The statement read, “Iran’s Ambassador to New Delhi was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs for a meeting with the Foreign Secretary on Saturday evening. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary expressed India’s deep concern over the firing incident that took place in the Strait of Hormuz. Two Indian-flagged ships came under attack,” the statement read.

“He stressed how much importance India attaches to the safety of merchant ships and seafarers, and reminded that Iran had previously helped provide safe passage to many ships visiting India.”

“Reiterating his concern over this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, the Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India’s views to the Iranian authorities, and to resume the process of granting passage to ships coming to India through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. The Iranian Ambassador assured to convey these views to the Iranian authorities.”

Let us tell you, according to the warning issued on the website by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Saturday, gunboats were attacked about 20 nautical miles north-east of Oman. The tanker’s master reported that two IRGC gunboats approached without any VHF warning and opened fire. However, it is a matter of relief that there was no damage to the tanker and its crew.

Foreign media later reported that two Indian-flagged ships were fired upon. These included ‘Jag Arnav’ and ‘Sanmar Herald’. According to initial reports, ‘Jag Arnav’ was fired upon, while the other ship remained safe.