India condemns attacks on commercial vessels: MEA on Kandla-bound Mayuree Naree

Ministry of External Affairs.

India on Wednesday condemned the 'unprovoked' attack on a Thai commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.  The vessel, Mayuree Naree, was struck while transiting one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints en route to Kandla, a major port on India’s western coast in Gujarat.

"A statement regarding ship bound for Kandla, India. 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," read the statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

“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 added.

“India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided," MEA unequivocally added.

The ministry noted that Indian citizens have already been among those killed in previous maritime attacks during the conflict. India called on all parties to refrain from targeting commercial vessels and endangering civilian crew members, reiterating its position in favour of freedom of navigation and unimpeded maritime commerce.