An Indian sailor was killed and eight crew members, including six Indian nationals, were injured after two oil tankers came under Iranian missile attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The incident marks a major escalation in tensions in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes and has prompted India to formally protest the attack by summoning Iran's senior-most diplomat in New Delhi.
According to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defence, the Emirati oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were struck by two Iranian cruise missiles while sailing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters. The missile strikes triggered fires aboard both vessels, causing extensive damage before the blazes were eventually brought under control.
The UAE defence ministry said one Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa tanker lost his life in the attack. Eight other seafarers sustained injuries, including four who were reported to be seriously wounded. Among the injured were six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian citizens.
The attack has heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway through which nearly a fifth of the world's oil supply passes. Any disruption in the region has significant implications for global energy markets and maritime security.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini to lodge a formal diplomatic protest. During the meeting, Joint Secretary Anand Prakash, who heads the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division in the ministry, conveyed India's strong objection over the attack that resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to remain in contact with regional authorities regarding the condition of the injured Indian crew members. Efforts are also underway to provide all necessary assistance to the affected seafarers and the family of the deceased sailor.
The missile strike comes amid heightened military tensions in West Asia, where attacks on commercial vessels have increasingly threatened international shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive maritime chokepoints in the world, making any military action in the area a matter of global concern.
India, which has significant maritime and energy interests in the Gulf region, has consistently called for restraint and the protection of civilian shipping. The latest attack is likely to intensify diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran as India seeks accountability and stronger assurances for the safety of its citizens serving aboard international vessels.
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