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India Condemns Repeated Attacks on Commercial Vessels Near the Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi has voiced strong concern after a series of drone and missile strikes targeted oil tankers in one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, leaving dozens of Indian sailors caught in the crossfire.

India Condemns Repeated Attacks on Commercial Vessels Near the Strait of Hormuz
Author
Democracy News Live Desk
Date
12 Oct 2026
Read
2 min
The First Warning: Drone Strike in Sharjah

All twenty-two Indian crew members aboard the vessel were reported safe. Indian officials highlighted the incident as part of threats to international maritime trade.

Coverage
The Hormuz Assault: Two Tankers Under Fire

Just two days later, on October 11, 2026, two oil tankers, MT Petro Dolphin and MT Valthera, were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Two oil tankers—MT Petro Dolphin and MT Valthera—came under attack in the vicinity of the strait. According to Indian government accounts, the MT Petro Dolphin was hit by a drone, while the MT Valthera also faced hostile action, though the exact nature of the second strike was not detailed in the briefings.

The Human Toll: Crews Caught in the Crossfire

The MT Petro Dolphin carried eleven Indian sailors at the time of the drone strike. Nine of them were rescued, leaving two Indian crew members still missing after the incident. On the MT Valthera, eleven Indian nationals were on board; all of them were accounted for and reported safe following the attack. Across both vessels, a total of twenty-two Indian seafarers were involved, with most brought to safety and two still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continued.

Across both vessels, a total of twenty-two Indian seafarers were involved, with most brought to safety and two still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continued.

Diplomatic Echoes: New Delhi’s Response

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the "continuous attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz area" and describing them as "extremely concerning." The ministry urged the parties involved to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to address tensions that threaten international maritime trade. This stance reflects the Indian government's concern for the safety of its nationals abroad.

On the Ground in Muscat: Embassy Efforts

The Indian Embassy in Muscat took an active role in monitoring the unfolding situation. Embassy officials said they were coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management companies to locate the missing sailors from the MT Petro Dolphin and to provide any necessary assistance. In a public message, the embassy emphasized that "the safety and security of Indian sailors is the top priority of the Indian government."

The Lingering Threat: What Lies Ahead

While rescue operations continued, officials expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and threats to international maritime trade. The attacks on commercial vessels highlight the risks faced by Indian seafarers. Indian authorities have stated they will monitor developments and prioritize the welfare of their citizens.

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