A day after tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, two Indian-flagged vessels came under fire from Iranian forces, prompting a swift diplomatic response from New Delhi.
The incident marks the first time Iranian forces have fired upon Indian-flagged or owned merchant vessels in the war-torn waterway.
The two vessels, identified as the Sanmar Herald and the Jag Arnav, were transiting the Strait of Hormuz when they were reportedly fired upon by boats of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
No injuries were reported, but the vessels turned back following the incident.
The external affairs ministry has lodged a protest and the Iranian ambassador was 'called in' for a meeting with foreign secretary Vikram Misri.
The firing incidents come against the backdrop of rising regional tensions amid an ongoing effort to formalise a ceasefire agreement between US and Iran.
