New Delhi, July 14 (HS): India on Tuesday summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission to lodge a formal protest after an Iranian missile strike on two UAE-linked oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz killed an Indian crew member and injured several others, according to government sources.
The diplomatic démarche followed Sunday's attack in Omani territorial waters, where Iranian cruise missiles struck the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah as they were transiting the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to UAE authorities, one Indian crew member was killed in the attack, while eight others were injured, including six Indian nationals and two Ukrainian citizens. Four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, and conveyed India's concern over the attack, which it views as a serious threat to the safety of civilian maritime traffic and Indian nationals.
The UAE said the missile strike caused significant damage to both vessels and triggered fires on board, which were later brought under control.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a grave violation of international law and a threat to regional security and stability. It said the UAE reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens, residents and strategic assets.
The ministry also urged the public to rely only on official sources for information and refrain from circulating rumours or unverified reports.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, raising fresh concerns over the security of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy trade routes.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
