The incident you’re referring to took place on April 18, 2026, amidst escalating maritime tensions in the Middle East.It involved several Indian-flagged or Indian-crewed tankers that were intercepted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy as they attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Overview: Iranian Navy Blocks Indian Tankers in the Strait of Hormuz
In a recent maritime incident that escalated tensions in the Middle East, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy blocked two Indian-flagged tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The event occurred shortly after Iran announced restrictions and the potential closure of the critical waterway.
A video shared by an Iranian journalist on X (formerly Twitter) captured the radio exchange between the Indian-flagged tanker Bhagya Lakshmi and the Iranian Navy. A crew member is heard saying, “Iranian Navy, this is Bhagya Lakshmi. I read you loud and clear,” while requesting permission to cross. The Iranian Navy responded by instructing the vessel to “turn around immediately.” The Bhagya Lakshmi complied with the order and turned back.
The "Sanmar Herald" Distress Call
A second Indian-flagged crude oil tanker, the Sanmar Herald, also issued a frantic distress call. A crew member was heard communicating with the Sepah Navy (IRGC), stating, “You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back.”
Meanwhile, India raised concerns over the safety of merchant shipping and sailors after reports of firing on commercial vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs said Iran had previously helped ensure safe passage for several India-bound ships.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged the Iranian ambassador to convey New Delhi’s concerns to authorities in Tehran and to restore, at the earliest, the process of facilitating safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The ambassador assured that India’s concerns would be communicated.
Diplomatic Response and Context
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global checkpoint, handling approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas trade. The blockage occurred amid broader geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, leading the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to place the strait under "strict management.
Reaction: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised immediate concerns regarding the safety of merchant shipping and sailors.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri urged the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi to convey these concerns to Tehran and to restore the safe passage of India-bound ships at the earliest.