India has condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region after two Indian seafarers went missing when a drone reportedly struck the MT Petro Dolphin.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the attacks on commercial shipping were “deeply concerning” and warned that repeated incidents could further aggravate the already volatile situation in the region.
The MT Petro Dolphin, a Nicaragua-flagged tanker, was reportedly struck by a drone at Sohar Anchorage on Sunday. Of the 11 Indian seafarers aboard, nine were rescued and reported safe, while two remained missing as search-and-rescue operations continued.
In a separate incident, the MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was hit by an unknown projectile, triggering a fire. All 11 Indian crew members were reported safe.
MEA Calls for Attacks to Stop
The MEA said the safety and security of Indian seafarers remained a priority for the government.
“Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease,” the ministry said, while calling for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
India also stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.
Embassy Coordinates Rescue Efforts
The Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies.
The embassy is assisting efforts to locate the two missing seafarers and provide necessary support to the Indian crew members affected by the attacks.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said nine of the 11 Indian crew members aboard the MT Petro Dolphin had been rescued and were safe. He said the local Coast Guard was continuing search-and-rescue operations for the two missing seafarers.
“Search-and-rescue operations are actively underway by the local Coast Guard,” Sonowal said in a post on X, adding that authorities were coordinating with all relevant agencies to support the rescue effort.
More Ships Targeted Amid West Asia Conflict
The latest incidents come amid a series of attacks involving commercial vessels in the Gulf region as the wider West Asia conflict continues.
On October 9, the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT Gem No. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals, was targeted in a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage. All 22 Indian crew members were reported safe.
The repeated attacks have raised fresh concerns over the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
India has reiterated its call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy while stressing that commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must remain protected.
