India condemns Strait of Hormuz tanker attacks as two Indian seafarers go missing

India has called for an immediate halt to attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region after a drone strike on a merchant tanker left two Indian seafarers missing off the coast of Oman.

New Delhi moved swiftly to coordinate rescue operations and safeguard its maritime workforce after two separate commercial ships carrying Indian crew members came under fire on Sunday, 11 October.

What happened off the Omani coast

The Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin was hit by a drone while positioned at Sohar Anchorage off Oman. The vessel carried 11 Indian seafarers. Nine crew members were promptly rescued and brought to safety, but two remain unaccounted for.

Search-and-rescue operations led by the local Coast Guard are actively under way, with Indian officials directly engaged in tracking the missing sailors. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the government is continuously coordinating with all relevant regional authorities to assist the rescue mission and ensure every measure is taken to trace the personnel.

Hours later, a second commercial vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Valthera, was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The impact ignited a fire on board, but emergency protocols prevented casualties among the 11 Indian crew members on the ship, all of whom were reported safe.

India demands an end to maritime hostilities

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains paramount, describing the repeated targeting of merchant vessels as deeply concerning for international stability.

"Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure must cease," the ministry said, pressing for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urging all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Indian embassy in Muscat is maintaining round-the-clock contact with Omani authorities and ship management companies to oversee assistance for the rescued crew and support ongoing search efforts.

Strategic waterways and crew safety

The strikes come amid heightened security risks along critical Middle Eastern sea lanes that handle a substantial share of global energy supplies and trade. Just two days earlier, on 9 October, the Panama-flagged crude tanker MT Gem No. 2 was targeted by drones at Sharjah Anchorage. All 22 Indian crew members aboard that vessel escaped unharmed.

India has reiterated that freedom of navigation and the unimpeded movement of maritime commerce through international waterways must remain strictly protected under international maritime law, underlining New Delhi's growing proactive role in protecting its extensive seafaring community worldwide.