Two Indian vessels fired upon by the Iran Navy

New Delhi, 18/04: Two Indian vessels, including a large crude oil tanker carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi oil, were on Saturday fired upon by the Iran Navy north of Oman, people aware of the matter said, shortly after reports emerged that the Indian ships were forced to turn back from the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels — Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald— came under direct attack, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the region. “Both vessels were fired upon,” an official said. Iran has previously said that countries not involved in the conflict with the US and Israel will not be targeted.
The development has led to a strong protest from India’s foreign ministry, with New Delhi summoning the Iranian envoy over the matter. There were no injuries reported after the incident. A strong protest has been lodged by India, with the joint secretary asking the Iranian envoy to explain why the firing took place. According to Marine Traffic, Jag Arnav, bulk carrier sailing under the flag of India, was travelling from Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia and was enroute India.