India on Tuesday summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest after attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz left one Indian seafarer dead and 10 others injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa also disrupted the safe passage of commercial shipping through one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. India condemned the violence and urged an immediate end to attacks on civilian shipping.
India protests to Iran over attacks on two vessels
According to the MEA, both ships together had 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals.
Of the 12 Indians aboard MT Al Bahiyah, one died while another was injured.
On MT Mombasa, 18 Indian nationals were among the crew. Nine sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be in serious condition.
“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.
MEA expresses concern over renewed violence in West Asia
The government extended condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“Our Mission and Post in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers,” the ministry said.
India also voiced concern over the renewed escalation in West Asia.
“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. We also reiterate our deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West Asian region and call for immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region,” the MEA said.
India calls for protection of commercial shipping
The ministry said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop so that navigation and maritime trade through international waterways can resume without disruption.
It stressed that free and unimpeded movement of commercial vessels should be restored at the earliest in accordance with international law.