Brief
India condemns drone and projectile attacks on two tankers in Hormuz
The Ministry of External Affairs said two Indian seafarers are missing after a drone hit a tanker, while another vessel suffered a fire.
By Felo News Desk · Published
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 October 2026, calling for immediate de‑escalation and a diplomatic resolution, according to an agency‑feed report on News18.
According to the MEA statement, the Nicaraguan‑flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin was struck by a drone, leaving two of its 11 Indian crew members missing. The Marshall Islands‑flagged tanker MT Valthera was hit by an “unknown projectile,” which ignited a fire on board. All 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Valthera were reported safe.
The ministry said India’s embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship‑management companies to rescue the missing crew. It reiterated that the safety of Indian seafarers remains a priority and warned that recurring attacks on commercial shipping could aggravate an already volatile regional situation.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, speaking on X, confirmed that nine Indian crew members from MT Petro Dolphin had been rescued and that search‑and‑rescue operations were underway to locate the two missing nationals. He noted the vessel was anchored at Sohar when the drone attack occurred.
The MEA’s statement also emphasized the need for freedom of navigation and the unimpeded flow of maritime commerce in accordance with international law, urging all parties to cease attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure.
Key facts
- MT Petro Dolphin was struck by a drone on 11 Oct 2026, leaving two Indian seafarers missing. (news18.com)
- MT Valthera was hit by an unknown projectile, causing a fire but all Indian crew were safe. (news18.com)
- India’s MEA condemned the attacks and called for immediate de‑escalation and dialogue. (news18.com)
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said nine crew rescued and rescue ops continue for the missing two. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “India condemns attacks on two vessels in Hormuz region, calls for de-escalation”
