‘Unacceptable’: New Delhi slams Iranian strikes on UAE’s Fujairah after 3 Indian nationals injured in oil facility

The attack on Fujairah city came as the ceasefire between the US and Iran came under strain in the Strait of Hormuz.

4 min readMay 5, 2026 12:15 PM IST First published on: May 5, 2026 at 11:14 AM IST
Iran US IsraelFire and smoke rise in the Fujairah oil industry zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defenses. (Photo: Screengrab/X/@AJENews)

Three Indian nationals were injured after Iran launched missile and drone strikes on the United Arab Emirates, with one attack sparking a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, officials said. India condemned the strike, calling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure “unacceptable” and demanding an immediate halt to hostilities.

“The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians,” the ministry said, after missiles and drones targeted Fujairah on Monday, which was blamed on Iran.

New Delhi also called for the protection of international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital concern for a nation heavily dependent on energy imports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said he “strongly condemns the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals.” “Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable. India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he wrote.

He reiterated India’s support for resolving all issues through dialogue and diplomacy, adding that “ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security.”

Story continues below this ad

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi confirmed the injuries and said it is working with local authorities.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi said it is coordinating closely with local authorities to assist those affected. “Three Indian nationals have been injured in today’s attacks in Fujairah. We are in touch with local authorities for ensuring adequate medical care and welfare of the affected Indian nationals,” the embassy said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday, “The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable. We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians. India continues to stand for dialogue and diplomacy to deal with the situation, so that peace and stability may be restored across West Asia. We also call for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law. India stands ready to support all efforts for a peaceful resolution of issues.”

Missiles intercepted, drone strike causes fire

The UAE said Iran launched four cruise missiles during the attack. According to the defence ministry, three were intercepted by air defence systems, while the fourth fell into the sea.

At the same time, a drone strike sparked a fire at the oil facility in Fujairah, a key hub for energy exports. Emergency teams were sent to control the blaze, and the injured were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.

Story continues below this ad

Tensions rise again

The latest strikes come after a brief period of calm following a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran earlier this month.

UAE authorities said the attack marks a renewed escalation, with missile alerts issued in cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Iranian media reported that naval operations had expanded near the Strait of Hormuz, including areas close to UAE ports.

UAE warns of response

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the strikes and said the country reserves the right to respond. It described the attack as a threat to national security.

Story continues below this ad

Fujairah is strategically important as it allows the UAE to export oil through the Gulf of Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident adds to concerns over the safety of energy routes and the risk of further escalation in the region.

The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More

Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments