Centre summons Iran envoy after Indian sailor dies in Hormuz attacks

The US-Iran conflict in West Asia escalated after the ceasefire came to an end on July 6-7. Iran allegedly targeted three tankers. Iran claimed the targeted vessels had ignored repeated warnings to use Tehran-authorised shipping lanes. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accused the vessels of bypassing these routes and operating with their navigation systems off.

The US has claimed that it has struck over 140 Iranian targets in retaliation. Both the US and Iran have staked claim to the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran has claimed that it controls the strait and all ships must pass through lanes approved by Tehran, the US has asserted that it has taken over the control of Hormuz and must be “reimbursed” for its efforts to keep the water channel open.

According to maritime laws, however, neither has the right to stake claim to the Strait of Hormuz since it is a natural waterway.

MEA issues statement

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also issued a statement condemning the attacks. It said: “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 Indians onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one lost his life and another was injured in the Iranian attacks. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, 9 sustained injuries. Two of them were reported to be in serious condition.

The MEA said the Indian Mission in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the UAE authorities to ensure assistance to affected Indian seafarers. “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. We also reiterate our deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West-Asian 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 MEA’s statement read.

“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,” the statement added.

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