NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Tuesday registered a strong protest against the continued attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.According to a statement, the ministry said that India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz.”India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. Both the vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46. Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured,” the ministry said.”Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, 9 have sustained injuries, including 2 who are reported to be seriously injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wish speedy recovery to those injured. Our Mission and Post in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers,” it added. In the statement, the ministry said that it also summoned the deputy chief of mission of the Embassy of Iran and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him.”The deputy chief of mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the ministry of external affairs and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him,” the statement read.”We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz,” it added.The ministry also reiterated its “deep concern” over the resumption of attacks and the escalation of hostilities in the West Asia region.”We also reiterate our deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West Asia region and call for immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region,” the statement read.”In particular, the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease in order that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest,” it added.
