India Condemns Hormuz Attack on Ship Bound for Kandla
MEA warns against targeting commercial vessels as tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz
- India deplores attack on Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree headed to Kandla
- MEA says commercial shipping must not be targeted in military conflicts
- Incident linked to escalating Iran-Israel tensions in Strait of Hormuz
- Global concern rises over disruption to oil and cargo movement
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th March: India on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on a Thai bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, which was transiting the Strait of Hormuz and headed to Kandla port in Gujarat, warning that commercial shipping should not be targeted during military conflicts.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had taken note of reports about the incident that occurred on March 11 amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
“We have seen reports about the attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Straits of Hormuz. The ship was bound for Kandla in India. India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attack since the ongoing conflict in West Asia,” the MEA said.
Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed thick black smoke rising from the vessel, while life rafts were seen floating in nearby waters following the strike.
The MEA noted that precious lives, including those of Indian citizens, had already been lost in earlier attacks on commercial vessels during the conflict.
“India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” the ministry added.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply moves from the Persian Gulf toward global markets.
Reports indicate that Iran has effectively halted cargo traffic through the narrow waterway, while also targeting oil facilities and shipping routes in the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck the Liberian-flagged container ship Express Rome and the Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, alleging that the vessels entered the strait after ignoring warnings.
IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri said vessels intending to pass through the strait must obtain permission from Iran.
Separately, Iran’s military command warned that ships belonging to the United States, Israel or their allies could be considered legitimate targets, reiterating that it would not allow oil shipments to pass through the strategic waterway.
Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which also carries a significant share of fertiliser shipments essential for global food production, could trigger severe consequences for the global economy, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Meanwhile, the United States Pentagon said American forces had recently destroyed several Iranian mine-laying vessels that could potentially be used to block the strait, although drone and missile attacks in the region reportedly continued.
