India summons Iranian diplomats after Indian sailor killed in Hormuz attack
New Delhi: India has summoned Iranian diplomats, including Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini, to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after an Indian sailor was killed in an Iranian missile strike on two UAE-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The diplomatic move follows Sunday's attack, which the United Arab Emirates said involved Iranian cruise missiles striking the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah while they were sailing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.
What happened?
According to the UAE, two Iranian cruise missiles hit the oil tankers, triggering fires on board.
The attack:
- Killed one Indian crew member.
- Injured eight others.
- Included six injured Indian nationals and two Ukrainians.
- Left four of the injured in critical condition.
- The fires aboard both vessels were later brought under control.
Government sources said India called in Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission and other diplomats to seek explanations and convey its concerns over the attack that killed an Indian national and injured several others.
The move marks a significant diplomatic response as tensions continue to rise across the Gulf region.
What has India said?
The Ministry of External Affairs urged all sides to reduce tensions and restore stability.
In its statement, the MEA said:
- The repeated attacks on commercial shipping are "deeply worrisome."
- Targeting civilian infrastructure and merchant vessels must stop immediately.
- Free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways should be restored in accordance with international law.
- Ongoing diplomatic efforts should continue to prevent further escalation.
- India reiterated its call for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict and a diplomatic solution.
Iran's position
Following the attack, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) defended its actions, claiming the vessels had ignored repeated warnings and entered what it described as an "illegal route" near the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC also accused the United States of facilitating commercial traffic through what it called a dangerous passage.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.
Around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets and international trade.
The latest attack comes amid an intensifying confrontation between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump recently announced that the United States would protect commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz in return for a proposed 20% security fee, a proposal Tehran has rejected while insisting it remains responsible for the security of the waterway.
With diplomatic tensions rising and attacks on commercial shipping increasing, concerns are growing over the safety of international maritime trade through the Gulf.