India condemns IRGC attack on Thai bulk carrier in Strait of Hormuz bound for Kandla

India has condemned escalating attacks on commercial shipping in West Asia after the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, bound for Gujarat’s Kandla Port, was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs warned that civilian crews, including Indian citizens, face growing risk as the vital energy and trade route comes under attack.

India

-Krishna Kripa

India criticised rising assaults on commercial vessels in West Asia after a Thai-flagged bulk carrier headed to Gujarat’s Kandla Port came under attack. The vessel was targeted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC. The Ministry of External Affairs, MEA, said the incident raised fresh concern about safety for civilian crews and trade routes.

The UK’s maritime agency reported that three vessels were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The disruption tightened a major energy passage that handles about 20 per cent of global crude oil shipments. Officials said interference in this corridor also affects wider commerce and shipping schedules across the region.

Strait of Hormuz attacks and India’s response

“We have seen reports about the attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The ship was bound for Kandla in India,\” the MEA said. India said it regretted commercial ships being drawn into military action during the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The MEA warned that earlier incidents had already caused deaths, including among Indian citizens. \”Precious lives, including of Indian citizens, have already been lost in multiple such attacks in the earlier phase of this conflict and the intensity and lethality of the attacks only seems to be increasing,\” the statement said.

India also repeated its view that shipping lanes must stay open for trade and civilian movement. \”India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,\” the MEA said.

Strait of Hormuz disruption and oil and gas impact

Oil and gas prices rose after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report. The squeeze on tanker traffic added to supply pressure for many countries. India has also faced shortages of petroleum products, with cooking gas mentioned as a key concern after disruption in the energy route.

India meets about half of its gas demand through overseas purchases. Total consumption is 191 million standard cubic metres per day, mmscmd, with imports covering roughly 50 per cent. With tanker movement stalled in the Strait of Hormuz, supply of about 60 mmscmd from the Middle East has been disrupted.

The latest attack and the wider security situation have added pressure on shipping safety and energy supply lines. India’s statement focused on protecting civilian crews and keeping trade routes open. The MEA’s remarks followed reports of multiple strikes, while energy disruptions continued to affect prices and fuel availability.

With inputs from PTI