Times Now has accessed exclusive visuals of one of the two Indian-flagged tankers allegedly targeted byIran’s IRGC-linked gunboats in theStrait of Hormuzon Saturday, showing the impact of the damage. The visuals show shattered glasses and visible holes in the ship’s structure. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that no crew injuries members were injured in the incident.
It was just the broken glass and bullet fragments, but those moments must have been terrifying. It would have been an unusual experience as merchant ships are rarely fired up and that too, by people not too far away as the Strait of Hormuz is so narrow. Small-arms fire did the damage on the evening of April 18, but while there is only broken glass to worry about now, a stray bullet can be very dangerous and could have even been fatal for the personnel on the ship, the Jag Arnav.
Photo shows shattered glass after Indian-flagged vessel Jag Arnav was targeted in Strait of Hormuz allegedly by Iran-linked gunboats on April 18
These bullet holes damaged not just the window-panes, but to relations between India and Iran, hopefully temporarily.
Just a few days ago, Iran had announced that Indian ships (also, Russian and Chinese vessels) would get safe passage through the Strait. So, why was Jag Arnav fired upon? Who made the decision? What made the attackers pick up a rifle? The Iranian envoy reportedly explained it was a result of miscommunication. But what led to the miscommunication? And importantly, could it happen again? This time, only window panes were damaged? It could be worse in the future.
Another exclusive photo shows damaged window glass after Indian vessel Jag Arnav was fired upon in Hormuz
The Jag Arnav's captain was astonished. He asked in a bemused voice why his ship was being targeted after it had been cleared to go through. India's reaction has been swift. Apart from calling in the Iranian envoy, it has directed the ships still stuck in the Persian Gulf (there are over a dozen) to stay put till told otherwise.
The longer the Strait remains closed, the more difficult it will be for India's economy as it will mean an increase in crude oil prices. It has often been said that an increase of $10 per barrel of crude oil leads to India's GDP falling by 0.2-0-3 percent. That is a substantial loss and as long as the Strait is closed, and also contested, there will be a possibility of trigger-happy people firing a few shots, or worse. And, most certainly, crude oil prices will stay high.
Photo shows bullet holes on Indian-vessel Jag Arnav that was allegedly targeted by Iran-linked gunboats on April 18.
The MEA also said that India is in touch with Iranian authorities to secure safe passage for Indian vessels stranded in the Strait. Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are in touch with Iran and others so that we have a safe exit of our ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The firing incident happened on Saturday, and we took up the matter strongly after receiving information about the same."
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
