India calls for safe, unimpeded navigation through Hormuz, says attacks on vessels must stop at the earliest
New Delhi, July 14
India today said it is closely following developments in West Asia and called for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to queries during the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels in which one Indian national was killed.
"We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world," he said
Jaiswal said MEA issued a statement after summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission of Iran and conveyed India's deepest concerns over attack on two vessels - MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa - during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today.
The two vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46.
Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, 9 have sustained injuries, including 2 who are reported to be seriously injured.
"We issued a statement after summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission of Iran. We conveyed to them our deepest concerns and that we strongly condemned what has happened. We lost a precious Indian life, and several Indian nationals have been injured, a couple of them seriously. We conveyed our strongest protest to the Iranian side on this matter, stating that these attacks must stop at the earliest," he said at the media briefing.
Jaiswal said there should be de-escalation and Iran and USA should come to the negotiating table and take the path of dialogue for peace in West Asia.
"There should be de-escalation, and the two sides should come to the negotiating table and take the path of dialogue and diplomacy so that peace and stability can be ensured in West Asia," he said.
In its statement issued earlier in the day, MEA extended deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wish speedy recovery to those injured.
"Our 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. 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.
"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. 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," it added.
MEA said that 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.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that the United States is "reinstating" the Iranian blockade and said that the US will charge "20 per cent" to provide security to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic gateway.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump assured that the international maritime traffic through the critical shipping lane would not be closed to the rest of the world despite escalating regional tensions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Very sad news. Our government is handling it well, but the Trump announcement of 'reinstating blockade' and charging 20% for security is troubling. That sounds like the US wants to profit from chaos. India must stay neutral and push for dialogue, not take sides. The Strait of Hormuz is too important for global energy security—India's oil imports depend on it. We need a calm, diplomatic solution.
It's heartbreaking that innocent merchant mariners are paying the price for regional tensions. India's strong protest and condemnation are appropriate, but I worry about the escalation cycle. The US and Iran need to de-escalate immediately. For India, this is a matter of national security and economic stability. Hoping the injured seafarers recover soon.
India is doing the right thing by summoning the Iranian diplomat and lodging a strong protest. But I feel our government could be more proactive in ensuring Indian seafarers are evacuated or relocated from dangerous zones. We have a responsibility towards our maritime workforce. Also, the US must not use this crisis to impose a 20% 'security charge' on global shipping—that's tantamount to economic coercion. 🙏
This is a tragic reminder of how interconnected our world is. An Indian sailor's life is lost because of conflicts far from our shores. India's call for dialogue and de-escalation is wise, but we must also strengthen our naval presence to protect Indian ships and seafarers in volatile regions. The Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline for global energy—any disruption will hit ordinary Indians with higher fuel prices. Let's hope diplomacy prevails.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.