India has strongly condemned the recent missile attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, calling them acts of violence against seafarers that threaten the safety of one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Iran after missiles struck two UAE-flagged merchant vessels—MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa—passing through the strategic waterway. The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned, and India conveyed its strong objections over the attacks.
The latest incident claimed the life of an Indian seafarer and left several others injured, adding to the growing toll of Indian crew members affected by the escalating conflict in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Nine Indian Seafarers Killed Since Conflict Began
According to the MEA, at least nine Indian seafarers have lost their lives in attacks linked to the ongoing hostilities in West Asia since the conflict erupted on February 28.
The first casualty occurred on March 1, when a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker came under attack, followed by another strike on the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight off the coast of Oman, killing two Indian crew members. Additional fatalities were reported on May 8, while three more Indian sailors were killed after the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was struck off the Omani coast.
Indian Crew Among Victims
The two vessels attacked this week carried 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals.
- MT Al Bahiyah had 12 Indian crew members, one of whom was killed while another sustained injuries.
- MT Mombasa carried 18 Indian crew members, with nine Indians injured, including two reported to be in serious condition.
The MEA expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
India Calls for Immediate End to Violence
Expressing deep concern over the renewed attacks and escalating hostilities in West Asia, the MEA called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged all parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interest of regional peace, security and stability.
The ministry stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must cease to ensure the restoration of free, safe and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
Assistance to Indian Crew
The MEA said India’s Mission and diplomatic post in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant contact with the UAE authorities to ensure all necessary assistance is extended to the affected Indian crew members.
The latest attack highlights the growing risks faced by merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of global oil trade passes, raising fresh concerns over the safety of seafarers and the security of international maritime commerce.
