**India Summons Iranian Envoy Following Fatal Attack on Tankers in Strait of Hormuz**
In a significant diplomatic move, India has summoned Iran's deputy chief of mission in New Delhi, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, following a deadly attack on two tankers in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The incident resulted in the death of an Indian crew member and injuries to eight others, raising concerns over maritime security in the region.
The attack, which occurred while the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were transiting through Oman’s territorial waters, was attributed to Iranian cruise missiles, according to a statement from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) defense ministry. The deceased crew member was aboard the Mombasa tanker, while six of the injured were Indian nationals, and the remaining two were identified as Ukrainian.
India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the incident, condemning the attacks on commercial vessels and emphasizing the need for safe navigation through international waters. The ministry stated, "We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways." It also highlighted that India is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with UAE authorities to provide assistance to the affected Indian seafarers.
This incident marks the second attack on tankers in less than a week, indicating a resurgence of hostilities in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments, has seen increased tensions following a temporary truce between Iran and the United States earlier in June. The recent escalation in violence has raised alarms about the safety of maritime operations in the area, which has already witnessed the deaths of nearly a dozen Indian nationals in related conflicts.
In a related incident, an Indian sailor from the Cyprus-flagged vessel GFS Galaxy, which was attacked off Oman’s northern coast while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, is reported missing. The vessel's crew, comprising 23 members, included ten Indian sailors, all of whom were rescued following the attack.
The Indian government has previously expressed its concerns regarding the safety of its nationals in the region. In June, three Indian sailors lost their lives when US forces enforcing a naval blockade of Iran fired upon their vessel, the MT Settebello. In response to these incidents, India summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi on two occasions to voice its concerns over the deaths of Indian nationals.
Meanwhile, the United States has announced plans to resume enforcement of its maritime blockade against Iran, with military operations reportedly intensifying over the weekend in retaliation for Iran's attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has also targeted Iranian interests in several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan.
As the situation continues to unfold, India remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and the integrity of maritime navigation in the region. The government’s diplomatic efforts underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by escalating tensions in the Middle East.