India has strongly condemned a fresh wave of attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region after two Indian seafarers went missing following a drone strike on an oil tanker. The government has called for an immediate cessation of such attacks, warning that repeated incidents threaten the safety of civilian maritime crews and the uninterrupted movement of international trade.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued its condemnation on October 11, expressing serious concern over attacks on two commercial vessels in the strategically important Gulf region. Indian authorities are coordinating with Omani officials and the concerned shipping companies to locate the missing sailors and provide assistance to affected crew members.
Two Indian Seafarers Missing After MT Petro Dolphin Drone Attack
The most pressing concern involves MT Petro Dolphin, a Nicaragua-flagged tanker reportedly targeted by a drone while anchored near Sohar, Oman, on October 11.
According to information shared by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the vessel was carrying 11 Indian seafarers when the incident occurred. Nine crew members were rescued and reported safe, while the remaining two Indian nationals were still missing as search-and-rescue operations continued.
The local Coast Guard is leading the search effort, with Indian authorities maintaining contact with their Omani counterparts to support the operation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of Indian maritime workers serving aboard commercial vessels operating in and around the Gulf. The government is closely monitoring developments as rescue teams work to establish the whereabouts of the missing crew members.
MT Valthera Hit by Unknown Projectile, Crew Safe
A separate attack involved MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker that was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz region on October 11.
The impact triggered a fire onboard, prompting concerns about the safety of the vessel and its crew. However, all 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Valthera were reported safe, according to the shipping ministry’s update.
The two incidents underline the growing risks faced by commercial vessels navigating the region, where attacks on shipping have become a significant concern amid wider geopolitical tensions.
New Delhi has repeatedly stressed that civilian maritime personnel must not be exposed to avoidable danger and that commercial vessels should be able to operate without threats to their crews or cargo.
New Delhi Calls for Immediate De-Escalation and Diplomatic Resolution
In its official response, the MEA emphasised that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the government. It also warned that recurring attacks on commercial shipping could further aggravate an already volatile regional situation.
New Delhi reiterated its demand for immediate de-escalation and urged the parties involved in the ongoing conflict to pursue a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
New Delhi also called for an end to attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure. It stressed that freedom of navigation and the safe, uninterrupted movement of maritime commerce through international waterways must be protected in accordance with international law.
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The government’s position reflects the importance of keeping international shipping routes open and ensuring that civilian workers are protected regardless of the broader political or military circumstances.
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The Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies. Its efforts include supporting the search for the two missing sailors and extending all possible assistance to the Indian crew members affected by the incidents.
Fresh Attacks Raise Wider Maritime Security Concerns
The latest incidents follow another attack involving an oil tanker carrying Indian nationals. On October 9, the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT Gem No. 2, which had 22 Indian nationals aboard, was targeted by a drone at Sharjah Anchorage. All 22 Indian seafarers were reported safe following that incident.
Earlier, a projectile struck the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on October 6. The attack injured 12 crew members, including 11 Indian nationals, according to the MEA. The injured sailors were evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities and received medical treatment in Oman.
The repeated incidents have intensified concerns over maritime security and the risks confronting merchant shipping across the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international passage for energy shipments and other commercial cargo, making the security of vessels navigating its waters an issue of global importance.
India and Liberia have also launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to strengthen international coordination and keep the protection of commercial vessels and maritime personnel central to global discussions.
Safety of Indian Seafarers Remains New Delhi’s Priority
As search operations continue for the two missing sailors from MT Petro Dolphin, India faces the immediate challenge of supporting rescue efforts while pressing for stronger protections for commercial shipping.
The government has made clear that attacks on civilian vessels cannot be treated as an acceptable consequence of regional tensions. Its call for an immediate halt to such incidents highlights the urgent need to protect seafarers, maintain safe navigation and prevent further escalation.
The priority now remains locating the missing Indian nationals and ensuring the safety of maritime workers operating in the region. New Delhi has reiterated that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international maritime law are essential to restoring stability and protecting the flow of global commerce.
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