Middle East crisis: Government lodges protest with Iran as sailor dies in fresh attacks

NEW DELHI: With an Indian national reported dead and two more critically injured in fresh attacks on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, India summoned the Iranian deputy chief of mission to lodge a strong protest against the attacks.

Urging de-escalation, the govt sought an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels.In a statement, govt said India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait on Tuesday.Both vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46. The attacks on commercial vessels have intensified since the renewal of US-Iran hostilities."Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured," the MEA said. Since Feb 28, when the West Asia conflict broke out, 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing, according to govt sources.

13 Indians killed since eruption of Iran conflict

The ministry of external affairs extended condolences to the family of the deceased Indian.Since Feb 28, when the West Asia conflict broke out, 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing, according to govt sources.

The ministry strongly condemned the attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. It also reiterated India’s deep concern over the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in West Asia, and called for immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region.“In particular, 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 the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” said the ministry, adding that the Indian mission in the UAE is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with the local authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers.According to the UAE defence ministry, the Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday two “offending” supertankers were hit and disabled in Strait of Hormuz after ignoring repeated warnings.