'Unintentional': Iran Says Firing On Indian-Flagged Ships In Hormuz Linked To Communication Gap

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 08:47 IST

India raised concerns with Iran after an Indian ship was fired upon near the Strait of Hormuz despite prior coordination, with Tehran attributing it to a communication gap.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held discussions with Iran’s Ambassador following a firing incident involving an Indian ship near the Strait of Hormuz, with officials seeking firm assurances on safe passage for merchant vessels navigating the strategically critical waterway.

According to sources accessed by CNN-News18, the MEA’s top leadership met the Iranian Ambassador after an Indian vessel came under fire despite prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

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Sources said India had shared a list of 21 ships with Iran in advance, signalling its intent to ensure coordinated and secure movement through the Strait.

However, despite the prior submission of the ship movement list, one vessel was fired upon and forced to return.

The Iranian Ambassador told the Indian side that the incident was “not intentional" and attributed it to a communication gap, sources said.

INDIA SEEKS PRE-CLEARANCE ASSURANCE FOR SAFE TRANSIT

Indian officials urged the Ambassador to communicate with headquarters and provide assurance that ships would be allowed to pass freely before clearance is granted for transit through the Strait.

Sources indicated that India’s request for pre-clearance assurance aimed to ensure centralised authorisation and identification of vessels before transit, particularly in light of the firing incident.

According to top government sources, the prior sharing of the 21-ship movement list indicated intent to coordinate on the Iranian side.

However, the incident pointed to a possible breakdown at the tactical execution level, potentially involving local units of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN).

Indian officials also appreciated Iran’s earlier cooperation in facilitating the safe passage of ships that had previously transited through the Strait of Hormuz.

EARLIER FIRING INCIDENT CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO TWO VESSELS

CNN-News18 had earlier reported that there was general small arms firing in the area when two Indian vessels near the narrow stretch of the Strait were affected by stray bullets.

Sources said the vessels were not specifically targeted but sustained minor damage, with one bridge window on each ship impacted by the firing.

No injuries were reported, and there was no additional structural damage to the vessels.

Amid the tensions, Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its “previous state" of strict military control, citing ongoing tensions related to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian authorities indicated that the strategic waterway remains under the management of the country’s armed forces, even after earlier indications that limited commercial passage could resume following negotiations.

Tensions have persisted amid the continuing maritime blockade imposed by the United States on Iranian ports, contributing to a complex operational environment in and around the Strait.

Sources said the latest incident reflects the challenges involved in ensuring seamless tactical coordination in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.

Officials indicated that India’s emphasis on advance clearance from central Iranian authorities is aimed at preventing ambiguity at the operational level and ensuring merchant vessels are able to transit without disruption.

The Indian side reiterated the importance of ensuring predictable and secure movement of commercial shipping through the Strait, which remains a critical route for global trade and energy supplies.

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