An Indian seafarer has been killed and several others injured after Iranian cruise missiles struck two commercial oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, prompting India to lodge a formal protest with Iran and summon its senior diplomat in New Delhi.
Two Tankers Hit, Dozens of Indians Onboard
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the UAE-flagged vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa were struck while passing through Omani territorial waters in the strait's southern passage. Together, the two tankers were carrying 30 Indian seafarers among a combined crew of 46. Of the 12 Indian nationals aboard Al Bahiyah, one lost his life and another was injured, while 9 of the 18 Indian crew members on Mombasa sustained injuries, including two described as serious.
Fires Break Out, Brought Under Control
The UAE's Ministry of Defence said the strikes caused material damage to both vessels and sparked fires onboard, which were eventually contained through emergency response efforts. The ministry condemned the attack as a serious violation of international law and said it reserves the right to respond, underscoring how the incident risks widening the conflict beyond Iran and the United States to other Gulf nations.
India Summons Iran's Diplomat
In response, the MEA summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission at Iran's embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday morning to register a strong protest. The ministry said it "strongly condemns" attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting safe navigation through waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, adding that it remains deeply concerned over the resumption of hostilities in West Asia and is calling for an immediate end to the violence.
Embassy in UAE "Closely Monitoring"
The Indian Embassy in the UAE expressed grief over the sailor's death and said it is coordinating closely with UAE authorities to support the affected Indian crew members. The MEA echoed that sentiment, extending condolences to the deceased sailor's family and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured, while confirming that its mission in the UAE remains in constant contact with local authorities.
Part of a Wider, Escalating Crisis
The attack comes amid a rapidly escalating standoff between the U.S. and Iran over control of the strait, through which a significant share of the world's seaborne oil passes each day. With Indian nationals now directly caught in the crossfire, New Delhi's diplomatic protest signals growing pressure on all sides to de-escalate before more civilian lives, and global energy stability, are put at risk.