At least 13 Indians have been killed since the deadly US-Iran conflict broke out in February 28, reveals official sources cited by ANI.
This revelation comes as MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Indian seafarers suffered the highest number of death in attacks on commercial shipping. However, he did not give the exact number of deaths.
In response to the recent deaths of seafarers, India on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. The MEA has sought safe and unimpeded navigation and flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring energy and economic security of people across the world," Jaiswal said.
One of the ships, MT Al Bahiyah, which came under attack had 12 seafarers on board and one Indian was killed. Another ship, MT Mombasa, had 18 Indians aboard and nine of them were seriously injured.
"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," the MEA said in a statement.
India has summoned the Iranian deputy envoy to lodge a strong protest, demanding an immediate halt to strikes on commercial shipping. "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 MEA said.
US President Donald Trump said the United States will reinstate the blockade of Iranian ports and impose toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The exchange of fire from both sides has threatened the interim peace deal, which is now nearly halfway through the 60-day period during which the negotiators were supposed to reach a final agreement.
Meanwhile, mediators in Qatar are trying to get both Washington and Tehran to return to the negotiating table.
