India has expressed deep concern at the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the External Affairs Ministry, and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him. Both the vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46.
The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has lost his life and another has been injured. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, nine have sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be seriously injured. The Ministry extended condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wished speedy recovery to those injured. Indian 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.
New Delhi has strongly condemned these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. India has also reiterated deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West-Asian region and called for immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region.
The statement added that the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease so that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region can be restored at the earliest.
