India Condemns Attacks on Ships in Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi–India strongly condemned attacks on two vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz after one Indian seafarer was killed and 10 others were injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa were attacked while transiting the international waterway. The two ships carried a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indian nationals.
“India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. Both the vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46. Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life, and another has been injured. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, 9 have sustained injuries, including 2 who are reported to be seriously injured,” the ministry said.
The ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wish 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,” it said.
The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned by the ministry, which lodged a strong protest over the attacks.
“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 ministry said.
The ministry said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must stop so that free and uninterrupted navigation and trade through international waterways can resume in accordance with international law. (Source: IANS)
