India on Tuesday summoned senior Iranian diplomat Mohammad Javad Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy, to formally protest the killing of an Indian seafarer during Iranian missile strikes on two UAE oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called in the Iranian envoy after the attack claimed the life of one Indian crew member and left several others injured, including six Indian nationals.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the missile strikes targeted the oil tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah while they were sailing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.
The ministry said one Indian sailor aboard the Mombasa was killed in the attack. Eight crew members sustained injuries, including six Indians and two Ukrainian nationals. Four of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE expressed condolences over the loss of life and said it was coordinating with local authorities to assist those affected.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the local authorities to render all possible assistance to the injured and families," the embassy said in a statement.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said the missile strikes also caused significant material damage to both vessels after fires broke out onboard.
"The attack also caused material damage to both tankers as a result of the fires that broke out on board, which have since been brought under control," the ministry said.
Condemning the incident, the UAE described the strikes as a "blatant attack" and said they constituted a "serious violation and a clear breach of international law."
The ministry further stated that the UAE reserved the right to respond to the attack.
"The UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, its citizens and residents," the statement added.
The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes, and has prompted a strong diplomatic response from India following the death of its national.
