India Summons Iranian Envoy After Indian Seafarer Killed in Strait of Hormuz Attack
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned the Iranian deputy chief of mission in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest following an attack on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz that resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to ten others.
The Indian government condemned the attacks on the commercial vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which collectively carried 30 Indian seafarers among a total crew of 46. The MEA expressed deep concern over the escalation of hostilities in West Asia and called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
The attacks occurred on Tuesday amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. According to the Defence Ministry of the United Arab Emirates, the two tankers were targeted by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.
In a statement, the MEA said: '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.' It reiterated India's deep concern over the resumption of attacks and called for an immediate halt to targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
India's protest was conveyed during a meeting with the Iranian diplomat on Wednesday morning. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing that India demanded an immediate end to such strikes. 'We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring energy and economic security of people across the world,' he added.
The MEA extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The Indian missions in the UAE are monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to the affected seafarers.
This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks in the region. Fourteen Indians have lost their lives in the West Asia conflict since it began following a U.S.-Israel attack on Iran on February 28. The fresh escalation has raised questions about the fragile peace deal finalized between the U.S. and Iran in June.
India has consistently called for restraint and peaceful resolution of disputes in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of stability for global energy and economic security.
