New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): India on Tuesday lodged a strong protest over the attacks on commercial vessels, describing them as acts of aggression against crew members that jeopardize the safe and uninterrupted passage of shipping through global sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued the statement shortly after summoning the Iranian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi to register a “strong protest” over the missile strike on two commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack killed one Indian sailor and injured several other crew members.
According to the MEA, India conveyed its “deep concern” over the resumption of maritime attacks and escalating tensions across West Asia, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to negotiations and diplomatic engagement to preserve regional peace, security, and stability.
The ministry also stressed that attacks on commercial shipping vessels and non-military infrastructure in the region “must cease” to ensure the swift restoration of unrestricted maritime transit and global trade in accordance with international law.
The MEA said India was “deeply concerned” by the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa.
According to the ministry, the two vessels carried a total of 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals.
The MEA said one of the 12 Indian crew members aboard MT Al Bahiyah was killed, while another was injured.
Of the 18 Indian nationals serving aboard MT Mombasa, nine were injured, with two reported to be in critical condition.
The ministry expressed its “deepest condolences” to the family of the deceased sailor and wished the injured crew members a speedy recovery.
The MEA said India’s Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant communication with Emirati authorities to ensure all necessary assistance is provided to the affected Indian nationals.
Highlighting New Delhi’s diplomatic response, the ministry said it summoned the Iranian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission on Tuesday to register a “strong protest” over the missile strike on the two vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and injuries to several others.
“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 statement said. (ANI)
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