New Delhi: The Indian government has summoned a senior Iranian diplomat to lodge a strong formal protest after an Indian national was killed in a sudden missile strike on commercial vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs took this firm diplomatic step following an Iranian attack on two United Arab Emirates flagged oil tankers navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The tragic and unexpected incident also left several other crew members severely injured and sparked massive global concern.
According to official defense reports, the two oil tankers named MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah were transiting the southern shipping lane through Omani territorial waters when they were struck by Iranian cruise missiles. The violent strike resulted in the tragic death of one Indian sailor. At least eight other seafarers sustained serious injuries and burn wounds during the attack. The injured crew members include six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian citizens. Local authorities reported that four of the injured individuals remain in critical medical condition.
In a swift response, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Mohammad Javad Hosseini who serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. Senior Indian officials expressed deep anger over the unprovoked targeting of civilian merchant vessels and demanded a complete explanation from Tehran. The ministry strongly condemned the dangerous attack and stated that such deliberate acts of violence severely threaten innocent lives and international maritime security.
The deadly missile strike is a direct result of the rapidly escalating military conflict between the United States and Iran in the West Asia region. Regional tensions reached a boiling point after a fragile ceasefire agreement completely collapsed earlier this month. Both nations have recently made conflicting claims over the operational control of the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway remains incredibly critical for global energy security because nearly one fifth of the world oil supply passes through its lanes daily.
Following the tragic loss of life, India has urgently called for the immediate cessation of regional violence and a quick return to peaceful diplomatic negotiations. The government firmly stressed that free and safe navigation through international waters must be protected without any compromises. Meanwhile, Indian diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates are actively coordinating with local authorities to provide comprehensive medical assistance to the injured seafarers and ensure their safe journey back home.