India Lodges Strong Protest Over Strait of Hormuz Ship Strikes After Indian Sailor Killed, Several Injured

The official response came shortly after South Block summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to register a strong protest over the targeted strike on two commercial ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The attack resulted in the death of one Indian sailor and left several other crew members injured.

In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the resumption of maritime attacks and the growing tensions across West Asia. The ministry called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to return to negotiations and diplomatic engagement to preserve regional peace, security, and stability.

The ministry further stressed that attacks on commercial shipping vessels and civilian infrastructure across the region must stop immediately. It emphasized that unrestricted and unhindered maritime transit and international trade through global shipping corridors must be restored at the earliest in accordance with international law.

Providing details of the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs said India is deeply concerned about the strikes on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa. The two vessels together carried 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals.

According to the ministry, one Indian citizen among the 12 Indian crew members serving aboard MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, while another Indian sailor sustained injuries during the attack.

The ministry also stated that MT Mombasa had 18 Indian nationals on board. Of them, nine crew members were injured in the strike, with two currently reported to be in critical condition.

Expressing grief over the loss of life, the Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured in the incident.

The ministry said that India's Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates are closely monitoring the situation and remain in continuous contact with the Emirati authorities to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to the affected Indian sailors.

Highlighting the diplomatic action taken by New Delhi, the ministry confirmed that India formally summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy on Tuesday to register a strong protest over the missile strike on the two commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The government reiterated that the attack, which claimed the life of one Indian sailor and injured several others, underscores the urgent need to end attacks on commercial shipping and restore stability, security, and freedom of navigation across one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.