India Deplores Attack on Thai Cargo Ship Bound for Kandla Port in Strait of Hormuz
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has strongly condemned the military attack on the Thai-flagged commercial cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In an official statement, India confirmed that the vessel was en route to Kandla port in Gujarat when it was targeted, expressing deep concern over the endangerment of innocent civilian lives and the disruption of maritime commerce.
MEA Statement Details and Condemnation of Commercial Shipping Attacks
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the government's stance on social media platform X, captioning it "Statement regarding ship bound for Kandla, India." The statement read, "We have seen reports about the attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Straits of Hormuz on 11 March. The ship was bound for Kandla in India. India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia."
India emphasized that targeting commercial vessels and imperiling civilian crew members should be strictly avoided, as it impedes freedom of navigation and international trade. The statement further criticized the escalating intensity of such attacks, noting that precious lives, including Indian citizens, have been lost in previous incidents during this conflict.
Background of the Incident and Regional Implications
The attack occurred on Wednesday when the Thailand-flagged commercial ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Iran's Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for the assault, adding to the tensions in the region. According to the Thai transport ministry, three of the 23 crew members on board were reported missing following the incident.
India's response highlights the broader geopolitical ramifications of the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has entered its twelfth day with no ceasefire in sight. The statement urged all parties to exclude commercial ships from military operations, stressing the need to protect innocent lives and maintain maritime security.
Call for Restraint and Protection of Civilian Lives
In its concluding remarks, the MEA reiterated, "India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided." This appeal underscores India's commitment to diplomatic solutions and the safeguarding of international maritime norms amid rising hostilities in the region.
