India condemns Hormuz attacks, summons Iranian envoy after sailor's death

India on Tuesday summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran and lodged a strong protest over missile attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, in which one Indian national was killed and ten others were injured.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is "deeply concerned" by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the strait. Both vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers among their combined crew of 46.

Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has died and another has been injured, the MEA said. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, nine sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be seriously injured.


Also read: Iran's tankers take secret route through Hormuz to dodge US sanctions

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wish speedy recovery to those injured," the MEA said, adding that India's Mission and Post in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected seafarers.

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned on Tuesday morning by the MEA, which lodged a strong protest against the attacks.

India "strongly condemned" the attacks and "acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry said.

"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," the MEA said.

It added that the 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 keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters. The attack resulted in the death of one crew member aboard the Mombasa, an Indian national, and injuries to eight others, including four who sustained serious injuries. The strikes also caused material damage to both tankers due to fires that broke out on board, which have since been brought under control.

Also read: One Indian killed, six injured as Iranian missiles target two UAE tankers in Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had disabled two "offending" supertankers after they allegedly ignored repeated warnings, switched off their navigation systems, and attempted to travel through what it described as a mined route. Tehran has accused Washington of directing vessels through what it called an illegal passage.

The attack comes amid a fresh flare-up in hostilities between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes on the tankers occurred as the US wrapped up a third straight night of strikes on Iran.

US President Donald Trump has said the US "controls" the Strait of Hormuz and would serve as its "guardian angel," including by charging vessels for transit.