New Delhi summons Iran's ambassador over attack on Indian vessels

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi, Mohammad Fathali, following concerns over a shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the envoy was called in for a meeting with First Deputy Foreign Minister Vikram Misri.

“The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi was called in by the Ministry of External Affairs for a meeting with Foreign Secretary this evening. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry said.

The statement added that the merchant ships came under fire while transiting the Strait, underlining India’s strong emphasis on the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers, and recalling that Iran had previously facilitated the safe passage of several India-bound vessels.

New Delhi described the incident as serious and urged the Iranian envoy to ensure the swift resumption of safe passage for ships heading to India through the strait.

By Jeyhun Aghazada