NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Sunday condemned the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after two merchant ships carrying Indian seafarers came under attack.In a statement, the ministry said the recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region were deeply concerning and risked further aggravating an already volatile situation.“We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on 11 October 2026. MT PETRO DOLPHIN was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard reported missing,” it said.“MT VALTHERA, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire onboard. All 11 Indian seafarers onboard MT VALTHERA are reported to be safe. The Embassy of India in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities and respective ship management companies for the rescue of missing Indians and to provide all possible assistance to the Indian crew,” it added.MEA also reiterated the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy.“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the government of India. The recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation,” it said.
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“India reiterates the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld,” it added.This comes after a vessel carrying 11 Indian seafarers came under a drone attack off the coast of Oman, leaving two crew members missing while nine were rescued.Indians have been facing dangers in the Middle East recently amid renewed tensions. On Saturday, 11 Indians were injured when Riyadh airport came under attack. A day later, the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia announced that one of them had died.The embassy of India in Riyadh said it had been following up on Saturday’s attack and was in touch with local authorities and hospital officials to enquire about the condition of the injured Indians.
