Strait of Hormuz crisis: India warns of 'serious consequences' as tankers come under fire

TEHRAN / NEW DELHI: India has issued a stern warning to Iran following an attack on two Indian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. According to national media reports, New Delhi informed Tehran that it will face serious consequences should such incidents recur. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Iranian Ambassador to India, Dr. Mohammad Fathali, earlier this week to lodge a formal and strong protest.

In response, Hojjatoleslam Abdul Majeed Hakim Elahi, the representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in India, emphasised that bilateral relations remain very strong. While claiming he was unaware of the specific shooting incident, Elahi expressed confidence that any issues would be resolved. Iran has maintained its public stance that vessels from friendly nations, including India, are guaranteed safe passage through the Strait.

However, reports indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun collecting transit tolls from ships passing through the region. Indian officials have clarified that India will not comply with or pay such unauthorised tolls.

Amidst these Middle East tensions, a three-day round of India-US trade talks is set to begin in Washington today. A twelve-member Indian delegation, led by Darpan Jain, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, has arrived in the United States. The primary objective of these discussions is to finalise the trade agreement reached between the two nations this past February.