Attacks on commercial vessels "must cease": India lodges "strong protest" over Hormuz strikes
New Delhi, July 14
India on Tuesday strongly protested the strikes on commercial ships, describing them as aggressive acts directed at crew members that jeopardise the unhindered and secure passage of shipping traffic across global sea lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The official response was released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) soon after South Block called in the Iranian Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi to register a "strong protest" regarding the targeted strike on two ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and left multiple crew members wounded.
According to the official release, the MEA conveyed its "deep concern" regarding the restart of maritime strikes and the intensifying friction across West Asia, calling for a swift end to hostilities alongside a return to negotiations and diplomatic engagement to safeguard regional tranquillity, safety and stability.
The ministry further underlined that strikes directed at commercial shipping vessels and non-military installations across the region "must cease" to ensure that unrestricted, unhindered transit and maritime trade across global shipping channels can be restored swiftly, in line with international legal frameworks.
Elaborating on the scale of the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that India was "deeply concerned" by the strikes launched against MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa.
The ministry noted that both ships carried an aggregate of 30 Indian sailors out of a total complement of 46 personnel.
Sharing specific casualty data, the MEA reported that one Indian citizen out of the 12 serving on MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, while another sustained injuries.
Out of the 18 Indian nationals deployed on MT Mombasa, nine crew members suffered injuries, with two individuals currently stated to be in a critical condition.
Conveying the government's sorrow, the ministry offered its "deepest condolences" to the family of the deceased sailor while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured personnel.
The MEA noted that India's diplomatic mission and consulate in the UAE are monitoring developments closely and remain in constant communication with the Emirati authorities to ensure the delivery of all necessary assistance to the affected Indian sailors.
Highlighting the immediate diplomatic measures initiated by New Delhi, the ministry detailed that India on Tuesday summoned the Iranian Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi to lodge a "strong protest" over the missile strike on the two ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which caused the death of one Indian sailor and injured several others.
"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 read.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While the diplomatic protest is necessary, I worry about the larger geopolitical implications. Iran is a key regional player, and India has traditionally maintained balanced ties with all parties. The MEA must navigate this carefully—lives are at stake, but so is our strategic autonomy. Praying for the injured sailors' recovery. 🙏
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil supplies. These attacks threaten not just Indian lives but the entire world economy. Kudos to the Ministry for taking swift diplomatic action. However, I hope we also strengthen our naval presence to protect Indian seafarers in volatile zones. Safety first!
As an expat living in India, I see how critical these sea lanes are for the subcontinent's trade. The loss of one sailor and multiple injured is tragic. India's strong protest is warranted, but I hope it's backed by coordinated international pressure on all parties to de-escalate. Maritime security is a global responsibility.
Seriously, why must civilians always pay the price for geopolitical tensions? These sailors were just doing their jobs, not involved in any conflict. The MEA's protest is fine, but what about long-term solutions? We need a robust mechanism to ensure Indian crew members on foreign-flagged ships are protected. This is not the first time, and it won't be the last unless we act.
India's diplomatic response is measured and firm—exactly what's needed. The Deputy Chief of Mission summoned and a strong protest lodged sends a clear message. But let's not forget the human element: one sailor dead, nine injured, two critical. The government must ensure immediate medical
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