New Delhi, July 14 (NVI) One more Indian seafarer was killed and 10 injured as two commercial vessels came under attack from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz today.
MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, with a total of 30 Indian seafarers on board, were attacked during their transit through the maritime corridor critical for global energy flows.
The vessel MT Al Bahiyah had 12 Indian nationals on board, one of whom was killed and another injured.
The MT Mombasa had 18 Indian nationals on board, 9 of whom sustained injuries. Two of them are reported to be seriously injured.
Giving this information, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it strongly condemns “these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.”
In a statement, MEA said India is “deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels.”
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 latest casualties follow a number of deaths of Indian seafarers over the last 4 months during their movement on board commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Extending deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wishes of speedy recovery to those injured, the MEA said 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.
“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.
“In particular, the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease in order that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” it said.
The attacks came as intense war resumed in West Asia, with the Strait of Hormuz being a prime target of attacks. (NVI)
