India has condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region that left two Indian seafarers missing. Authorities rescued nine other Indian crew members from one of the ships. Following the incidents, the Indian government called for an immediate de-escalation of the ongoing conflict and urged all parties to stop attacking commercial vessels.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a drone reportedly struck the tanker MT Petro Dolphin. Meanwhile, an unidentified projectile hit MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, and triggered a fire onboard.

“We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on 11 October 2026,” the ministry said. It added that two of the 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Petro Dolphin remained missing.

MT Petro Dolphin Attack Leaves Two Indian Seafarers Missing

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that authorities had rescued nine Indian crew members from MT Petro Dolphin. He said all nine were safe, while search-and-rescue teams continued efforts to locate the two missing seafarers.

In a post on X, Sonowal said a drone attacked the Nicaragua-flagged tanker at Sohar Anchorage on October 11. He added that the local Coast Guard had launched search-and-rescue operations. Meanwhile, Indian authorities were coordinating with the relevant agencies to support the rescue efforts.

The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Muscat was closely monitoring the situation. The embassy was also working with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to locate the missing Indian nationals and assist the affected crew.

All 11 Indian Crew Members on MT Valthera Reported Safe

In a separate incident, an unidentified projectile struck MT Valthera in the Strait of Hormuz region and caused a fire onboard. However, all 11 Indian seafarers aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker were reported safe.

Sonowal also confirmed the attack on the vessel, while the MEA reiterated the government's commitment to protecting Indian seafarers working on commercial ships.

“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India,” the ministry said. It also warned that repeated attacks on commercial shipping could further worsen the already volatile situation in the region.

India Urges Dialogue and Safe Maritime Trade

Following the attacks, India renewed its call for an immediate reduction in tensions and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The government stressed that all parties must stop targeting commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure.

“Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld,” the MEA said.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a crucial route for global energy shipments. Large volumes of oil and gas pass through the narrow waterway, making maritime security in the region essential for international trade and energy supplies.

Consequently, repeated attacks on vessels operating in and around the Gulf have raised concerns about the safety of commercial crews and the uninterrupted movement of cargo. India has called for stronger efforts to protect seafarers and ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.

Earlier Drone Attack Targeted Tanker Carrying 22 Indians

The latest incidents follow another drone attack on October 9 involving MT Gem No. 2, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 22 Indian nationals.

The vessel came under attack at Sharjah Anchorage. However, Sonowal confirmed that all 22 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were safe following the incident.

The two recent incidents have heightened concerns about the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in the Gulf region. They have also renewed calls for greater international cooperation to protect maritime workers and prevent further attacks on shipping.

India and Liberia Push for Greater Maritime Security

Meanwhile, India has continued to seek international cooperation to strengthen the protection of commercial vessels and seafarers.

India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to improve coordination among maritime stakeholders and keep shipping safety on the international agenda.

As tensions continue in the region, India has stressed that protecting seafarers, maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the safe movement of commercial cargo must remain international priorities.