India Condemns Attacks on Commercial Shipping in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing West Asia Conflict

New Delhi expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of commercial shipping in West Asia following missile strikes on a Thai-flagged cargo ship earlier today. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated it was aware of the incident involving the vessel Mayuree Naree, which was attacked in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The Mayuree Naree, operated by Precious Shipping Plc, a company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, had set sail from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was en route to Kandla Port in Gujarat when the incident occurred at approximately 10 AM IST. The MEA emphasized the need for safeguarding maritime activities and the risks faced by crew members and global trade routes.

In its official statement, the MEA noted, “We have seen reports about the attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Straits of Hormuz on 11 March. The ship was bound for Kandla in India. India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.”

The statement further highlighted the loss of lives, including Indian citizens, in previous attacks during the conflict, underscoring the increasing severity of such incidents. “The intensity and lethality of the attacks only seems to be increasing. India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” it added.

The missile strikes left three crew members unaccounted for, while the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 others. According to reports, the vessel was struck by two projectiles, which exploded near the stern and in the engine room, resulting in a fire on board. All crew members aboard the ship, comprising 23 Thai nationals, had to evacuate using liferafts. The rescued crew were subsequently brought to safety at Khasab in Oman.

Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing for the remaining three crew members who are believed to still be on the damaged vessel. The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as one of the most crucial maritime routes, serving as a passageway for a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies.

The heightened security concerns in the region have affected commercial maritime activities, raising alarms about the safety of vessels and their crews amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Observers note that the situation remains fluid and that continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in these waters.

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