India summoned Iran's ambassador after two Indian-flagged merchant vessels were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 18, 2026 [1], [2].

The incident heightens diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Tehran as India seeks to protect its commercial shipping interests in one of the world's most volatile maritime corridors.

India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian envoy to raise concerns over the safety of its vessels amid rising regional tensions [1], [2]. The ministry asked Iran to ensure secure passage for ships navigating the strait, which sits between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman [1], [4].

India's Foreign Secretary said India expressed "deep concern" over the incident [1]. A spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had carried out at least three attacks on commercial ships in the strait since Saturday morning [3].

The attacks occurred during a period of extreme instability in the region. The strike comes a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the continued, full-force naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz [5].

New Delhi has not yet detailed the extent of the damage to the two ships [1]. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation as it seeks guarantees for the safety of its merchant fleet [2].

“India expressed "deep concern" over the incident.”

This diplomatic escalation reflects the precarious position India occupies as a major trading power attempting to maintain neutrality while its commercial assets are caught in the crossfire of US-Iran hostilities. The timing of the attacks, following a US-led naval blockade, suggests that merchant vessels are increasingly being used as leverage or targets in broader geopolitical confrontations in the Persian Gulf.