India Strongly Condemns Strait of Hormuz Tanker Strike That Injured 11 Indian Crew Members

The Indian government has strongly condemned a dangerous projectile attack on an oil tanker owned by Dubai shipping company Onex in the vital Strait of Hormuz. According to an official statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 12 crew members of the MT On Peace sustained injuries during the strike, 11 of whom are Indian nationals out of a total 17 Indians among the 19-strong crew. The vessel operates under a Panamanian flag.

While Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until seven specific conditions are met, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed gratitude for regional assistance. "With the assistance of Omani authorities, the injured crew have since been evacuated and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman. We thank the Omani authorities for their valuable support," the Tuesday statement declared.

Highlighting broader regional security concerns, the ministry added, "The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India. We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region." Furthermore, the statement emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping, sailors, and civilian infrastructure must cease immediately to ensure the restoration of safe navigation and commerce through international waterways.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that nine commercial vessels have faced attacks near the strait over recent weeks. Additionally, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported on Tuesday that an outbound oil tanker crossing the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile above the waterline. The National has reached out to Onex for comment but has not yet received a response.