New delhi: India has expressed concern over shipping attacks in the Strait of Hormuz following renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. The Indian government on Tuesday summoned Irans Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini in New Delhi after one Indian sailor was killed and several injured in missile attacks on two UAE-flagged oil tankers.
According to Nam News Network, the Al Bahiyah and Mombasa crude oil tankers were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46, according to a statement by Indias External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday. "Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, nine have sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be seriously injured," it said.
The UAEs Defence Ministry earlier blamed Iran for Mondays attacks on the tankers operated by a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). "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 Indian statement said.
"We also reiterate our deep concern over the resumption of attacks and the escalation of hostilities in the West Asian region, and call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region," it added. Indias benchmark stock indexes dropped on renewed military escalation in West Asia and the rupee declined 62 paise to close at 96.3 against US dollar.
The Sensex fell 561 points, or 0.72 per cent, to end at 77,054.9, while the Nifty 50 closed 159 points, or 0.66 per cent, lower at 24,052.
