After 11 Indian sailors were injured in an attack on a commercial vessel in Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the incident, saying continuing targeting of shipping in the region remains a "cause of deep concern" for India.
"We condemn the attack earlier today on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace off the coast of Oman, where it was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz," a statement released by the MEA read.
"We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region," the ministry said.
The Panama-flagged ship, MT On Peace, had 19 crew members aboard, of which 17 were Indians. Among the 12 injured seafarers, 11 were Indian.
"The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest," it added.
The MEA said the sailors of the vessel were evacuated with the help of Omani authorities. Thanking Muscat, the ministry said the injured crew are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman.
This comes a day after another commercial ship was targeted in a Russian drone strike. MV Royad Mammadov was struck outside Romania's territorial waters. Among the three injured crew members, one was identified as an Indian national. Two others were also killed. Two other Indian crew members were reported to be safe.
“All three Indian nationals are safe. We have spoken to them. One of them has been injured and is receiving medical attention. We are in close touch with the hospital authorities. We are in close touch with the hospital authorities," the Indian embassy in Romania said.
