India raises alert level after two of its ships were attacked in Strait of Hormuz: Iran's ambassador urgently summoned to New Delhi
Tensions between India and Iran are rising after two Indian oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The authorities in New Delhi reacted immediately by summoning the Iranian ambassador.
Strait of Hormuz Photo: Shuterstock
India conveyed “his deep concern” authorities in Tehran after two Indian-flagged ships carrying crude oil and trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz were attacked on Saturday, according to Reuters.
The incident prompted New Delhi to urgently summon Iran's ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, to the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to an official statement, the Iranian ambassador had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during which the Indian side expressed deep concern over the armed attack on the two merchant ships.
One of the vessels involved has been identified as the Sanmar Herald, according to an Indian government source. The authorities stated that both the ship and its crew are safe.
India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that both Indian-flagged vessels, loaded with crude oil and transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy sea routes, were targeted during the crossing.
During the discussions, Indian officials requested the Iranian ambassador to urgently convey New Delhi's position to the competent authorities in Tehran and to resume the process of facilitating the safe passage of ships bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.
Ambassador Mohammad Fathali said that he will convey the messages of the Indian side to the Iranian authorities, the official statement added.
