India Summons Iranian Envoy After Indian Crew Member Killed in Strait of Hormuz Attack

India has summoned Iran's deputy chief of mission to protest an attack on Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows the death of an Indian crew member when two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers were struck by missiles, according to officials.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that it lodged a strong protest with the Iranian diplomat over the incident. The summons comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran earlier this month.

The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying that the two tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, came under attack while passing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE said the vessels were hit by Iranian cruise missiles, though independent verification of this claim is pending.

Local authorities reported a plume of smoke rising from an explosion off the coast of Bandar Abbas, Iran, following the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints.

India, which has a significant diaspora working in the Gulf region, has called for restraint and the protection of civilian lives. The MEA is closely monitoring the situation and has urged all parties to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic channels.

The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a vital waterway for global oil shipments. Any disruption in the region can have significant implications for global energy markets.