An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, the same day Iranian forces opened fire on two other Indian vessels attempting to transit through the volatile route amid the blockade. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the tanker Desh Garima, carrying 31 Indian crew members, successfully crossed the Strait and is expected to reach Mumbai on April 22.
The ministry said maritime authorities remain in close coordination to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted shipping operations. It confirmed that Desh Garima completed its passage without incident, even as the broader situation in the Gulf remains volatile.
Two Indian vessels — VLCC Samnar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav — were attacked by Iranian forces while transiting the Strait. Both ships were forced to turn back towards the Persian Gulf, though no injuries were reported among crew members.
All Indian crew members are safe, the statement added.
INDIA SUMMONS IRAN ENVOY OVER FIRING INCIDENT
In response to the firing incident, India summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi, Mohammad Fathali, to convey its concerns. The meeting, held with the Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, focused on ensuring the safety of merchant shipping through the Strait. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary conveyed India’s concern at the shooting incident involving two Indian-flagged ships.
“Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India’s views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait,” the MEA said.
DISTRESS CALL FROM INDIAN TANKER
An audio recording from one of the affected vessels captured the tense moment during the firing incident. In the clip, the captain of the tanker Sanmar Herald can be heard urgently appealing to Iranian forces: “Sepah Navy! Sepah Navy! This is a motor tanker Sanmar Herald! You gave me clearance to go! My name is second on your list! You gave me clearance to go! You are firing now! Let me turn back!”
The government said coordination efforts are ongoing across ministries and maritime stakeholders. The Directorate General of Shipping has handled thousands of distress calls and emails since the situation escalated, while also facilitating the repatriation of Indian seafarers from the Gulf region.
Despite the tensions, port operations across India continue without disruption, the statement added.
This came at a time when dozens of commercial vessels and thousands of seafarers have been left stranded in the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of the West Asia war on February 28, sharply limiting movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow passage handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows, making it a vital global energy route. In this backdrop, Iran’s ability to disrupt traffic through the Strait has become a major pressure point in the ongoing conflict.
– Ends
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Apr 19, 2026 20:24 IST
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