Targeting commercial shipping must cease: India after Hormuz strikes
India on Tuesday condemned the attacks on merchant vessels, calling them as acts of violence that target seafarers and disrupt free and safe navigation through
India on Tuesday condemned the attacks on merchant vessels, calling them as acts of violence that target seafarers and disrupt free and safe navigation through international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. The statement came shortly after the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the missile attack on two vessels transiting the strait, in which one Indian seafarer was killed, and several others were injured. Read Full Story The Ministry of External Affairs said it was deeply concerned by the attacks on UAE-flagged vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which together had 30 Indian crew members among a combined crew of 46.
It also expressed deep concern over the resumption of attacks and the escalating hostilities in West Asia, and called for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interest of regional peace, security and stability. In its statement, the ministry said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease so that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways can be restored at the earliest in accordance with international law. According to the ministry, one of the 12 Indian nationals aboard MT Al Bahiyah was killed and another was injured.
Of the 18 Indians on MT Mombasa, nine sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be in a serious condition. The ministry extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. It said India's Mission and Post in the UAE were closely monitoring the situation and were in touch with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian crew members. India also said the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned on Tuesday morning and that a strong protest against the attacks was lodged with him.
Reiterating its position, India said the attacks on the two vessels had targeted seafarers, disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and underscored the need to end the violence. Ends
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