India condemns Strait of Hormuz attacks; 2 Indian sailors missing

India strongly denounced attacks on two ships with Indian seafarers aboard in the Strait of Hormuz on October 11, 2026. Two Indian crew members were reported missing after the MT PETRO DOLPHIN, carrying 11 Indian sailors, was struck by a drone. The tanker, flying the Marshall Islands flag, also suffered a fire onboard following an unknown projectile strike.

All 11 Indian seafarers from the MT VALTHERA were accounted for and safe. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is actively monitoring the situation and working with Omani authorities and ship management companies to rescue the missing crew and provide assistance to the Indian crew. The Indian government emphasized that the safety of seafarers is their top priority and that the repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply troubling and could further escalate an already volatile situation.

They called for an immediate end to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that freedom of navigation and the safe flow of maritime commerce must be upheld in accordance with international law. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that nine Indian crew members from the MT PETRO DOLPHIN had been rescued, but two remained missing.

Rescue operations were underway by the local Coast Guard, and India was coordinating closely with all relevant authorities to support these efforts and locate the missing personnel.