India on Tuesday lodged a strong protest with Iran after an attack on two UAE-flagged commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz claimed the life of an Indian seafarer and left several others injured. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini and conveyed New Delhi’s strong objection over the attacks.
In an official statement, the MEA said it was “deeply concerned” over the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which were carrying a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indian seafarers.
Of the 12 Indian nationals aboard MT Al Bahiyah, one lost his life and another was injured. On MT Mombasa, nine of the 18 Indian crew members sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be seriously injured.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wish speedy recovery to those injured,” the MEA said.
The ministry said India’s Mission and Consulate in the UAE are in constant touch with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers.
“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 statement said.
Strongly condemning the attacks, the MEA said, “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.”
Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia, the ministry called for restraint and diplomacy.
“We 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 statement added.
The MEA also stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop to ensure the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation in accordance with international law.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates expressed grief over the death of the Indian seafarer and said it was closely monitoring the situation.
In a post on X, the Embassy said, “We condole the tragic loss of an Indian seafarer in the attacks on two vessels, Al Bahiyah & Mombasa B. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the local authorities to render all possible assistance to the injured and families.”
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the two UAE-flagged tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. The attack triggered fires aboard both vessels, causing material damage before emergency response teams brought the situation under control.
Condemning the incident, the UAE Ministry of Defence described the attack as “a serious violation of international law” and said it threatened regional security and stability.
The ministry said the UAE “reserves the full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, residents, national interests and strategic assets.” It added that its armed forces remain fully prepared to deal with any threats and urged the public to rely only on official sources for information.
