As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, 13 Indian nationals have been killed and three remain missing in the Gulf region since the US-Iran conflict began on February 28, according to PTI. The latest fatality occurred after missiles struck two Emirati oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, killing an Indian crew member aboard MT Al Bahyah.
The incident came two days after an Indian seafarer went missing when the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was hit in an Iranian missile strike.
Despite the deteriorating security situation, seven Indian-flagged vessels with 148 Indian seafarers remain inside the Persian Gulf and are waiting for conditions to improve before leaving the region.
According to a government official, the vessels are currently not planning to exit the Gulf due to the prevailing security risks. Five of the seven ships are engaged in commercial operations.
Death toll rises
The latest casualty occurred after missiles hit MT Al Bahyah and MT Mombasa B while they were sailing through the southern shipping lane in Omani territorial waters.
An Indian crew member aboard MT Al Bahyah was killed, while several others sustained injuries.
MT Al Bahyah had 23 crew members, including 12 Indians, six Filipinos, three Russians, one Egyptian and one Sri Lankan.
MT Mombasa B also carried 23 crew members, including 17 Indians, three Ukrainians and three Georgians.
The attack followed an earlier Iranian strike on the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy, in which one Indian seafarer went missing while the remaining crew members were rescued.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that the vessels had ignored repeated warnings before being targeted. The group also accused the United States of encouraging ships to use what it described as an illegal route.
Last month, three Indian sailors were killed when the United States struck the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.
Government officials said authorities are closely monitoring incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels and foreign ships carrying Indian crew members. The government is coordinating with the Indian Navy while remaining in regular contact with shipping companies and the families of affected seafarers.
Indian vessels remain in the Gulf
Officials said seven Indian-flagged vessels continue to remain inside the Persian Gulf as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran pose increasing risks to commercial shipping.
The vessels were already positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz before the latest escalation and are expected to remain there until the security situation improves.
Authorities also identified 11 vessels of Indian interest, including Indian-flagged ships and foreign-flagged vessels transporting cargo destined for India. Four of these vessels are carrying fertilisers.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, handling a significant share of global oil and gas exports each day.
Despite repeated security threats, several vessels carrying cargo bound for India have continued to transit the strait since the conflict began.
Fresh uncertainty over US-Iran understanding
The latest escalation has cast fresh doubt over the US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed in June, which had temporarily reduced tensions and allowed commercial shipping to resume with fewer disruptions.
That fragile stability has now broken down.
Iran announced over the weekend that it was once again closing the Strait of Hormuz following renewed hostilities.
US President Donald Trump responded by declaring that the waterway would remain open and announced the return of the blockade targeting Iranian shipping. He also proposed a 20 per cent fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway, saying American forces would continue safeguarding the strait.
Trump later withdrew the proposal, stating that the planned toll would instead be replaced by investment agreements with Gulf states.
Iran rejected the idea.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had always protected the Strait of Hormuz and would continue to do so, adding that the proposed 20 per cent fee was excessive.
The conflict intensified further on Tuesday as Iran launched ballistic missiles at a US air base in Jordan, while American forces carried out nearly five hours of strikes on Iranian targets in an escalating battle centred on control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed fighting also affected global energy markets, with Brent crude futures rising 5 per cent to $87.49 a barrel on Tuesday, the highest level since June 12, although prices remained below the peaks recorded during the initial phase of the conflict.
