‘India enraged over the death of an Indian in Hormuz’, Foreign Ministry statement, ‘Extremely concerned, stop attacks immediately’
Dubai. An Indian crew member was tragically killed, while 10 other Indian sailors were injured in a missile attack by Iran on two oil tankers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz near Oman. After this attack, the fear of further deepening of the ongoing conflict in West Asia has increased. Taking a very tough stance on this incident, the Indian government summoned the senior diplomat of the Iranian Embassy in Delhi on Tuesday morning and registered its strong protest over this attack.
Iran fired cruise missiles, tankers caught fire
According to a statement issued by the Defense Ministry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its two national oil tankers ‘MT Al Bahiyah’ and ‘MT Mombasa’ were passing through the southern navigation route of the Strait of Hormuz in Oman’s territorial waters. During this time, two cruise missiles were fired at them from Iran. After the missile attack, both the tankers caught fire and were damaged. However, the fire was later brought under control. The UAE strongly condemned this “open attack”, calling it a clear violation of international law. The UAE said that it reserves the right to take all necessary steps for its security.
Indian sailor casualties
Of the total 46 crew members aboard both merchant ships, 30 sailors were Indians. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, a total of 12 Indian nationals were on board the ship MT Al Bahiyah, out of which one Indian has tragically died in the attack and another sailor has been injured.
There were 18 Indian citizens on board the MT Mombasa ship, out of which 9 sailors were injured. The condition of two of the injured is said to be very serious. A total of 11 Indian citizens have lost their lives so far amid this ongoing conflict in West Asia. Last month also, three Indian sailors were killed in the US attack on Palau-flagged tanker ‘MT Settebello’.
India expressed deep concern
The Government of India has taken this attack on ships with Indian crew very seriously. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday morning summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission (Diplomat) of the Iranian Embassy and lodged a strong protest against the attack and strongly condemned it.
Iran’s diplomat summoned
“India strongly condemns these attacks and violent incidents targeting seafarers, disrupting free and safe navigation through vital international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. We express deep concern over the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West Asian region,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in its official statement.
India has appealed to immediately stop the violence and return to the path of diplomacy in the interest of peace, security and stability in the region. The ministry made it clear that targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure should stop immediately.
Relief and rescue operations continue
The Indian Embassy and Missions in the UAE are in constant touch with the local authorities to ensure better treatment of the injured and provide all possible assistance to the affected families. India has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased citizen.
reason behind stress
The attack comes at a time when US President Donald Trump hinted at reimposing the blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and charging fees from other ships in exchange for safe passage, following which the US attacked Iran. In response, Iran retaliated by targeting these two tankers belonging to Bahrain, Jordan and UAE.
Comments are closed.