Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 14: India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks on two commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as unacceptable acts of violence against seafarers and a threat to the free and safe movement of ships through international waterways.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was deeply concerned over the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which together had 30 Indian nationals among their 46-member crew.

According to the ministry, one Indian crew member aboard MT Al Bahiyah was killed in the attack, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine of the 18 Indian seafarers were injured, including two who are reported to be in critical condition.

The government expressed condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. It also said that India's diplomatic mission and consular post in the United Arab Emirates were in constant touch with local authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals.

The MEA further disclosed that the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned on Tuesday morning, during which India lodged a strong protest over the attacks.

Reiterating its position, the ministry condemned all acts of violence targeting civilian shipping and seafarers, stressing that such incidents undermine the safety of international maritime routes, particularly the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

India also voiced serious concern over the renewed escalation of hostilities in West Asia and urged all parties to immediately halt military actions and return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security and stability in the region.

The MEA emphasised that attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must stop, calling for the restoration of free, secure and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.