SRINAGAR: India on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with Iran over attacks on two commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, condemning the violence and calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was deeply concerned over the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which together carried 30 Indian nationals among their combined crew of 46.
According to the ministry, 12 Indian seafarers were on board MT Al Bahiyah, where one Indian national was killed and another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, carrying 18 Indian nationals, nine Indians were injured, including two who are reported to be seriously injured.
The MEA expressed condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. It said the Indian Mission and Post in the United Arab Emirates were closely monitoring the situation and were in contact with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.
The ministry said it summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and 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,” the MEA said.
The ministry also voiced deep concern over the renewed escalation of hostilities in West Asia and called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of regional peace, security and stability.
It further stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must cease to restore free, safe and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.
