Indian Navy Enhances Security Measures in Hormuz Strait Following IRGC Incident
In response to a recent incident involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps firing on Indian vessels, the Indian Navy has heightened security measures in the Hormuz Strait. A new advisory has been issued for Indian-flagged ships, urging them to avoid Larak Island and to proceed only with explicit instructions. The Navy is prioritizing the safety of vessels awaiting passage, with reports confirming that ten ships have successfully crossed the Strait. As tensions rise, the safety of maritime navigation in this critical chokepoint remains a priority, with the Indian government actively coordinating with Iran and other nations to ensure secure passage for its vessels.
| Apr 20, 2026, 16:44 IST
Increased Vigilance in Hormuz Strait
On April 18, following an incident where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired upon two Indian vessels, the Indian Navy has intensified its security protocols near the Hormuz Strait. The Indian government has issued a new advisory for Indian-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf, advising them to steer clear of Larak Island and to proceed only when explicitly instructed to do so. The Navy is prioritizing the safety of all Indian vessels awaiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, a government official stated that ten Indian ships have successfully navigated through the Strait. The last tanker, 'Desh Garima', passed through on April 18, the same day that two Indian vessels, 'Jag Arnav' and 'Sanmar Herald', were forced to turn back after being fired upon by the IRGC.
Safety Measures for Indian Vessels
After crossing the Strait, 'Desh Garima' is now under the protection of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea, with an expected arrival in Mumbai on April 22. An official noted that the government is in contact with Iran and other nations to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships. Larak Island, located at the narrowest point of the Strait, hosts significant Iranian oil infrastructure. Given its critical importance to Iran's energy sector, the surrounding waters are heavily secured, with a network of bunkers and radar systems closely monitoring traffic through Hormuz. Larak Island is situated in the approximately 33-kilometer-wide Hormuz Strait, a crucial chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world's oil passed before the Iran-U.S. conflict.
Military Presence and Navigation Risks
Reports indicate that several Iranian military bases are operational in the area, capable of deploying fast boats to target vessels. Currently, the route between Hormuz and Larak Islands is considered safer for shipping traffic. There is a tendency to avoid the southern route near Oman, which was previously used, due to potential threats from mines in that region. With the advisory against Indian vessels passing close to Larak Island, any transit through the Strait of Hormuz will remain uncertain until clearance is granted by the Indian Navy.