India on Tuesday strongly protested the recent missile strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as aggressive attacks on civilian shipping that threaten the safety of seafarers and the free flow of global maritime trade.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued the statement shortly after summoning Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi to lodge a “strong protest” over the attack on two commercial tankers that killed one Indian sailor and injured several others.
Conveying its “deep concern” over the renewed attacks on commercial shipping and the escalating tensions in West Asia, the MEA called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged all sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security and stability in the region.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease so that free, unhindered and secure navigation and maritime commerce through international waterways can be restored at the earliest in accordance with international law,” the ministry said.
The MEA said India was deeply concerned over the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which together carried 30 Indian nationals among a total crew of 46.
According to the ministry, one of the 12 Indian crew members aboard MT Al Bahiyah was killed, while another sustained injuries. Of the 18 Indians serving on MT Mombasa, nine were injured, with two remaining in critical condition.
Expressing condolences, the government conveyed its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased sailor and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The ministry said the Indian Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates were in constant touch with the Emirati authorities and were extending all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.
Reiterating India’s diplomatic response, the MEA said the Iranian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission was summoned on Tuesday morning and a strong protest was formally conveyed over the missile strikes.
“The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him,” the ministry said.
