Iran Reaffirms Strong Ties with India Amid Diplomatic Row Over Strait of Hormuz Firing
New Delhi: Iran has described its bilateral relationship with India as “very strong” even as New Delhi summoned Tehran’s envoy to protest the firing on two Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, made the remarks on Sunday while responding to questions about the incident. “The relationship between Iran and India is very strong and I don’t know anything about this event which you mentioned and we hope that it will be okay and it will be solved,” he said. He added a broader appeal for calm: “We don’t want this war. We want peace, and we hope that the other side will also follow peace so that we can have a peaceful area.”
The comments came a day after India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali and lodged a strong protest. Two India-flagged ships — Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav — came under fire while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels, carrying approximately two million barrels of Iraqi crude, were forced to reverse course. Indian authorities confirmed that the ships and their crews remained safe.
During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s deep concern over the serious incident involving merchant vessels and urged Tehran to resume facilitating safe passage for India-bound ships at the earliest. The MEA emphasised the importance of unimpeded navigation and the safety of mariners in the critical waterway.
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The episode unfolded against heightened regional tensions. Iran had briefly announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz only to declare it completely closed again within 24 hours, citing a US blockade. Reports indicated that several other vessels, including Greek tankers, also turned back after hearing gunfire.
India has maintained close diplomatic engagement with Iran in recent months, including high-level conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as between the two countries’ foreign ministers. The waterway remains vital for India’s energy imports.
Dr Ilahi’s statement sought to separate the maritime incident from the overall state of bilateral ties, underlining historical and cultural connections spanning centuries while calling for de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
The development highlights the delicate balance New Delhi is navigating to protect its economic and energy interests amid volatility in the Gulf region. Both sides have so far avoided further escalation, with Iran stressing the strength of the relationship and India pressing for practical steps to ensure maritime safety.