India protests attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Maritime security remains vital for global trade and the safety of thousands of seafarers navigating international shipping routes.

India has strongly condemned the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as aggressive actions that endangered civilian crew members and threatened the safe movement of global maritime traffic.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to register a formal protest over the incident.

The attacks targeted the commercial vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, both carrying Indian crew members.

Altogether, the two ships had 30 Indian sailors among their 46-member crew. Tragically, one Indian sailor aboard MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, while another sustained injuries.

On MT Mombasa, nine Indian crew members were injured, including two who remain in critical condition.

Expressing deep concern, the MEA urged an immediate halt to attacks on commercial shipping and non-military infrastructure in the region.

Furthermore, India called for a return to dialogue and diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions across West Asia and restore peace, stability, and regional security.

The ministry also stressed that uninterrupted navigation through international sea lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, is essential for global trade and must be protected in accordance with international law.

It emphasised that attacks on commercial vessels jeopardise both maritime safety and international commerce.

India conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the affected crew members.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests and safety of Indian citizens working aboard international vessels while continuing diplomatic efforts to address the incident and prevent further escalation in the region.

Image Credit: Wikideas1, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strait_of_Hormuz_islands.svg