India condemns strike on Gujarat-bound Thai cargo ship bound in Hormuz

India has strongly condemned the attack on a Thai-flagged cargo vessel that was heading to India through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the loss of innocent lives and targeting of civilian shipping during the ongoing West Asia conflict as “unacceptable.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the vessel, identified as Mayuree Naree, was sailing toward Kandla port in Gujarat when it came under attack in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.

According to maritime and security reports, the cargo ship was struck by projectiles while transiting the busy shipping corridor near the northern coast of Oman. The vessel caught fire following the strike, though emergency response teams later managed to control the blaze.

Authorities said rescue operations were launched soon after the incident. Around 20 crew members were evacuated from the ship, while several others were reported missing as search efforts continued.

Reacting to the attack, the MEA said India is deeply concerned about the safety of international maritime traffic and reiterated that commercial shipping should not be targeted during conflicts. The ministry emphasised that the deaths of innocent civilians in such incidents cannot be justified.

The incident comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has begun affecting shipping lanes across the Gulf region.

Attacks on merchant vessels have raised fears of disruption in global trade and energy supplies, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes.

Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, given the large number of Indian seafarers working on international merchant vessels operating in the region.

Earlier, the government had also reported casualties among Indian nationals serving on ships affected by the conflict.

India has reiterated its call for restraint and stressed the need to protect vital maritime routes that are critical for global commerce and energy supply chains. Officials said New Delhi remains engaged with regional partners to ensure the safety of shipping and the well-being of Indian citizens working at sea.