AiBotIn a development that has added a new layer of tension to the already strained Indo-Iranian relations, the Indian government yesterday summoned the Iranian deputy ambassador to New Delhi following the death of an Indian sailor in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident is seen as a major fallout of the ongoing tensions between the two nations, with several Indian ships having been caught in the middle.
According to sources close to the matter, the Iranian deputy ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, where he was asked to explain the circumstances surrounding the death of the Indian sailor. The official said that the sailor, who was identified as 28-year-old Rohit Kumar from the state of Bihar, was part of the crew of a merchant ship named MV Jag Rabindra, which was traversing through the Strait of Hormuz on June 25.
The official further added that the incident occurred when the ship was attacked by Iranian authorities for allegedly violating maritime rules. It was, however, not immediately clear what specific rule the ship was accused of violating. Kumar’s body was recovered from the ship and was taken to the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, where it awaits repatriation.
The incident comes at a time when the relations between India and Iran are already under strain following recent developments on the global oil market. India, which imports a significant portion of its crude oil from Iran, is facing pressure from the United States to reduce its imports from the country in light of fresh sanctions imposed by Washington.
The summoning of the Iranian deputy ambassador is seen as a significant move by the Indian government to express its discontent over the treatment of its sailor. India’s relations with Iran have traditionally been close, and this incident is likely to add to the existing friction in the bilateral ties.
In response to the development, the External Affairs Ministry has issued a statement, which reads, “We have taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities and sought their cooperation in the investigation into the incident.” When asked to comment on the matter, an Iranian official reportedly said that the incident was still under investigation but refused to provide any further details.
The development has also sparked a debate in India over the country’s engagement with Iran, particularly with regard to the ongoing trade relations between the two nations. As tensions between India and Iran continue to mount over the incident, observers are keenly watching to see how this will affect the economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.