New Delhi: India on Tuesday summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest after attacks on two commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz left an Indian seafarer dead and 10 others injured, strongly condemning the targeting of civilian shipping.

 

Protest and condemnation came for the attacks on merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz, in which one Indian seafarer was killed and 10 others were injured.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was "deeply concerned" over the attacks on the two vessels during their transit through the strategic waterway.

 

"India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. Both the 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."

 

The MEA expressed condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and said Indian missions in the UAE were coordinating with local authorities to assist the affected crew members.

"We extend our 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 ministry said the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned earlier in the day and a strong protest was conveyed.

"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."

 

Along with the condemnation of  the attacks, India called for an immediate end to violence and urged a return to dialogue to restore peace, security and free navigation in the region.

"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. 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," the statement added.