India on Tuesday, 14 July summoned senior Iranian diplomats, including Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini, after an Iranian missile strike on UAE oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz killed one Indian sailor and injured six others. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) moved swiftly after the attack, which struck two vessels in Omani territorial waters and triggered fires aboard both ships.

What Happened in the Strait of Hormuz

Two UAE merchant tankers — Mombasa and Al Bahiyah — were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes caused fires on both vessels, though the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed the fires were subsequently brought under control. Material damage to both tankers was also reported.

One Indian seafarer was killed in the attack, and six others sustained injuries. The incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions along one of the world's most strategically critical maritime chokepoints, through which roughly 20% of global oil supplies pass.

India's Diplomatic Response

The MEA summoned the Iranian diplomatic mission in New Delhi, with DCM Hosseini called in to receive India's formal protest. This is among the most direct diplomatic actions New Delhi has taken against Tehran in recent memory, reflecting the gravity with which the government views attacks on Indian nationals at sea.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE also issued a statement on X, expressing condolences and confirming active coordination with local authorities. 'We condole the tragic loss of an Indian seafarer in the attacks on two vessels, Al Bahiyah and Mombasa B. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the local authorities to render all possible assistance to the injured and families,' the Embassy said.

UAE Condemns Attack, Reserves Right to Respond

The UAE Ministry of Defence issued a strong condemnation, describing the strike as 'a serious violation of international law that threatens regional security and stability.' The ministry stated that the UAE reserves the full right to respond to the escalation and will take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, residents, national interests, and strategic assets.

The ministry also urged the public to rely solely on official sources and avoid spreading unverified information, signalling a tightly managed information environment as the situation develops.

Context and What Comes Next

The attack comes amid longstanding tensions in the Persian Gulf over maritime security, sanctions enforcement, and Iran's nuclear programme. The Strait of Hormuz has been the site of repeated incidents involving tanker seizures and drone strikes in recent years. Notably, this is one of the most severe incidents involving Indian nationals in the region, raising questions about crew safety protocols on vessels transiting high-risk corridors.

India has significant interests in Gulf stability — the region hosts an estimated 9 million Indian nationals and accounts for a substantial share of India's energy imports. New Delhi is expected to press for accountability through diplomatic channels while continuing to monitor the safety of Indian workers across the UAE and the broader Gulf.