India Condemns Attacks on Commercial Vessels in Strait of Hormuz
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over recent missile strikes targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which led to the tragic death of an Indian national and injured several others. In response to the escalating violence, New Delhi summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to formally protest the attacks, emphasizing that the targeting of commercial shipping must cease.
Casualties and Diplomatic Protest
The MEA confirmed that two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, were impacted by the strikes. Onboard MT Al Bahiyah, carrying 12 Indian nationals, one seafarer was killed and another sustained injuries. From MT Mombasa, which had 18 Indian crew members, nine were injured, with two reported to be in serious condition. Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to the affected seafarers.
India unequivocally condemned these acts of violence, which threaten the safety of seafarers and disrupt vital international waterways. The ministry reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security, and stability in the West Asian region.
Call for Cessation of Hostilities
“We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz,” the MEA stated. The ministry stressed the need for unimpeded navigation and commerce in compliance with international law, urging an end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
Escalating Tensions in West Asia
These incidents occur amidst a resurgence of hostilities in the West Asian region. The attacks follow recent US strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory actions targeting Bahrain, Jordan, and tankers linked to the UAE. The ongoing conflict has tragically claimed the lives of 11 Indian nationals in total, including three sailors killed last month in a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, highlighting the severe risks faced by seafarers in the volatile region.