India expresses deep concern over attacks targeting vessels in West Asia; stresses protection of civilians, energy trade
New Delhi, July 8
India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the recent attacks targeting commercial vessels in West Asia, urging all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and global commerce.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi was closely watching the evolving situation in the region following fresh attacks on commercial shipping transiting international waterways.
"India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region," the MEA said.
The ministry warned that the latest developments could have serious implications for regional stability and security and for immediate efforts to reduce tensions.
India further urged all sides to avoid further escalation and safeguard civilian lives and maritime trade.
"These developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability," the statement read.
"India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce," it added.
Reiterating its longstanding position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy, the ministry called on the parties involved to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
"We urge the parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict," the statement added.
India's remarks come a day after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had carried out a fresh round of offensive strikes against Iran on July 7, targeting more than 80 sites in response to Tehran's latest attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement by CENTCOM, the strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, command and control networks, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) small boats operating in and around the strategic waterway.
The attacks came as retaliatory strikes against Iran, which had recently attacked three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz - the Marshall Islands-flagged M/T Al Rekayyat, the Saudi Arabia-flagged M/T Wedyan, and the Liberian-flagged M/T Cyprus Prosperity.
"The unwarranted aggression by Iranian forces is a clear and dangerous violation of the ceasefire and undermines freedom of navigation," CENTCOM said in the statement.
"CENTCOM forces remain postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not adhered to or obeyed," the statement added.
In retaliation for the US attacks, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes against US-linked military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iran's state-affiliated Fars News Agency.
Citing the Iranian Army Public Relations, Fars reported that Iranian army drones targeted the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain early Wednesday morning.
The IRGC further stated that it had carried out a large-scale joint missile and drone operation targeting 85 key US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
According to Fars News Agency, the IRGC said, "IRGC Navy and Aerospace Forces, during a joint missile and drone operation, pounded 85 key US military facilities in Salman Port, the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait."
In a separate statement carried by Fars News Agency, an IRGC spokesperson claimed that Iranian air defences had shot down an American MQ-9 drone over Bushehr Province.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is why India needs to diversify its energy sources and invest more in renewables. We're too dependent on the Gulf region. Also, what about the safety of Indian seafarers working on those ships? Modi ji should prioritize evacuating them if needed. 🚢
Our diplomatic balancing act is commendable but risky. We have close ties with both Iran and the US. The path of dialogue is right, but we must be prepared for any escalation. The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for our oil imports. Hope the Navy is on alert!
It's good that India is taking a principled stand on protecting civilians and commerce. But these attacks on commercial ships are unacceptable. Why are innocent seafarers caught in this geopolitical mess? Hope our External Affairs Minister raises this strongly at the UN. 🇮🇳
As an Indian who works in the shipping industry, this hits close to home. My colleagues are terrified to transit through these waters. The government should consider providing naval escorts to Indian-flagged vessels. We cannot afford to be passive observers when our livelihoods are at stake.
I appreciate India's call for de-escalation, but let's be honest – this is what happens when the US and Iran play their dangerous games. We need to push for a diplomatic solution that doesn't involve military strikes. And yes, protect our energy trade, but also protect our people working there. 🕊️
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.