- India condemns attacks on commercial vessels in Strait of Hormuz.
- Two Indian seafarers missing after drone strike on MT Petro Dolphin.
- MEA calls for de-escalation, dialogue, and maritime safety.
India on Sunday strongly condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region, expressing serious concern over the growing threat to maritime safety in the region. The condemnation by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came after two Indian seafarers went missing when a drone reportedly struck the MT Petro Dolphin, while a separate attack on the MT Valthera triggered a fire on board. All 11 Indian seafarers aboard the latter vessel were reported safe.
MEA Expresses Concern Over Attacks
In a statement, the MEA expressed concern over the attacks and said the Indian Embassy in Muscat was coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management companies to help locate the missing seafarers. The MEA called for an immediate de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. “We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on 11 October 2026. MT PETRO DOLPHIN was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard reported missing. MT VALTHERA, Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire onboard,” the MEA said.
Statement on the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region ⬇️ 🔗 https://t.co/SqBo213LvT https://t.co/t4zJMeZSdZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 11, 2026
ALSO READ: Two Indian Seafarers Missing, 9 Rescued After Drone Attack On Tanker Off Oman Coast | Video
MEA Calls For De-escalation
The MEA stressed that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the government. It also warned that repeated attacks on commercial shipping could worsen the already tense situation in the region. “The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India. The recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation,” the statement added.
The MEA further emphasised India’s call for an immediate reduction in tensions and urged all sides to resolve the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The MEA said attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure must stop. It also stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of maritime trade through international waterways.
Two Indian Seafarers Missing After Drone Attack
The MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly struck by a drone on Sunday. Two of the 11 Indian seafarers on board went missing following the incident. Efforts are being made to locate and rescue them. In a separate incident, the MT Valthera, a tanker flying the Marshall Islands flag, was struck by an unknown projectile. The impact caused a fire on board the vessel. According to the MEA, all 11 Indian seafarers aboard the MT Valthera were safe.