NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday termed as “premature” reports suggesting that Iran had granted permission for Indian ships to cross the critical Strait of Hormuz, even as the conflict in West Asia continues to claim the lives of Indian sailors.
Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that while diplomatic conversations are ongoing, no concrete arrangement has been finalized. This clarification comes against a backdrop of increasing attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
Diplomatic Engagement, No Breakthrough
Mr. Jaiswal confirmed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, have held three conversations in recent days, with the most recent focusing on the safety of shipping and India’s energy security.
“Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” the spokesperson stated, dampening speculation of a bilateral deal to ensure safe passage for Indian vessels.
Following one of the calls, the Iranian Foreign Ministry had stated that Araghchi reminded India that the “insecure situation” is a result of the “aggressive and destabilizing actions of the United States.”
The Human Cost: Indian Sailors Killed and Injured
The diplomatic caution is underscored by a tragic reality: Indian sailors are being caught in the crossfire. According to government sources, at least four Indian sailors have been killed since the conflict began on February 28.
| Incident Details | Casualties |
|---|---|
| MT Sky Light | Captain Ashish Kumar killed. Family refuses to accept death without DNA test from remains in Oman. |
| MT Vyom | Hit off the coast of Oman. |
| LCT ALYH | Targeted in a separate attack. |
| Mayuree Naree (Thai-flagged) | Hit near Iraqi port of Basra on March 11; one Indian sailor killed. Ship was headed for Kandla port. |
| Total Casualties | At least 4 sailors killed, over 20 injured (receiving treatment in Oman). |
A Family’s Ordeal: The Fight for Confirmation
The human anguish is most palpable in the case of Captain Ashish Kumar of the MT Sky Light. While the government has confirmed his death, his family has refused to accept the news without further proof.
Speaking to The Hindu, they have demanded DNA tests from his physical remains, which are in Oman. Government sources stated that the results are delayed as Omani authorities complete legal procedures, a process complicated by the ongoing conflict.
India’s Stance
The MEA has issued a strong statement deploring the targeting of commercial shipping. “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Precious lives, including of Indian citizens, have already been lost in multiple such attacks… and the intensity and lethality of the attacks only seems to be increasing.”
With Indian sailors making up a large portion of crews on merchant vessels in the region, ensuring their safety remains a top priority for the government, even as a diplomatic solution remains elusive.
