Today (April 19), Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore reported: "Two vessels flying the Indian flag were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a protest."
The Strait of Hormuz, reopened for only 24 hours, was abruptly closed again as Iran responded with artillery fire against passing ships, demonstrating its determination to assert control—further deteriorating the situation. India has long navigated skillfully among the triangular relationship between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. However, just two days before the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran (February 26), Israel and India announced the establishment of a "Special Strategic Partnership," signing 16 cooperation agreements. India's high-profile alliance with Israel has deeply stirred Iran's sensitivities. Tehran’s shelling of Indian vessels serves both as a warning to New Delhi not to join anti-Iran blocs and as a show of force to the U.S. and Israel. Blocking the strait is not merely an anti-American tool but also a strategic lever targeting allied networks. Iran's use of "indiscriminate" attacks tests the limits of all parties, fully weaponizing commercial shipping lanes, leaving India in an awkward position.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862872197587081/
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