An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, Desh Garima, has successfully crossed the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz on April 18, even as tensions escalated in the region following firing incidents involving other Indian vessels.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the tanker—carrying 31 Indian crew members—completed its transit safely and is expected to arrive in Mumbai on April 22. Its successful passage comes amid a highly volatile security environment in the Gulf, where shipping routes have been disrupted due to ongoing conflict.
However, the same day saw two other Indian-linked vessels come under fire from Iranian forces. The VLCC Samnar Herad and bulk carrier Jag Arnav were targeted while attempting to pass through the Strait. Both ships were forced to abort their journey and turn back toward the Persian Gulf. Authorities confirmed that no crew members were injured, but the incident has raised serious concerns about maritime safety.
In response, India took diplomatic action by summoning Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Fathali. During the meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India conveyed strong concerns over the firing and stressed the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage for merchant vessels. The government urged Iran to quickly restore normal shipping movement through the Strait.
A distress call from one of the affected tankers highlighted the gravity of the situation. The ship’s captain can be heard urgently appealing to Iranian naval forces, stating that clearance had been granted earlier and requesting permission to retreat safely while shots were being fired.
Despite these incidents, Indian authorities have stated that all crew members across vessels are safe, and coordination is ongoing between multiple agencies to manage risks. The Directorate General of Shipping has reportedly handled thousands of distress communications, while also working on evacuation and support for Indian seafarers stranded in the region.
The situation underscores the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and LNG supply passes. Any disruption in this narrow maritime corridor has immediate global implications for energy security and trade.
While Desh Garima’s safe transit offers some reassurance, the attacks on other vessels highlight the fragile security conditions in the region, with India closely monitoring developments to safeguard its maritime interests and citizens.
