Togo-Flagged Tanker With Indian Crew Fired On Near Oman

NEW DELHI-The Iranian Coast Guard fired warning shots at a Togo-flagged chemical tanker, MT Siron, carrying Indian crew members after boarding it near the Shinas Outer Port limits in Oman on April 25, officials from India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on April 27.

Mandeep Singh Randhawa, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said during an inter-ministerial briefing that the vessel was operating in proximity to other ships when Iranian forces intervened and discharged warning fire before boarding it.

He said the ministry is coordinating closely with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and maintain operational continuity in the region.

According to Randhawa, the Directorate General of Shipping control room has handled 7,780 calls and 16,650 emails, and remains in contact with 2,770 Indian vessels, of which 12 have reported updates following recent developments.

“The situation is under close watch, with no cause for concern at present,” Randhawa said.

The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway between Oman and Iran and a key global energy transit route.

On April 22, Iran targeted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including ships linked to India-bound routes, hours after US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite ceasefire in the region. (IANS)