India Is ‘Premature’ To Confirm Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz As Attacks On Ships Kill Indian Sailors

The article examines India's cautious stance on Strait of Hormuz security amid attacks on vessels, ongoing discussions with Iran, and the impact on Indian sailors and energy imports.

India’s External Affairs Ministry said on March 12, 2026 that it is still "premature" to speak about reports claiming ships from India have been allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, even as recent attacks on commercial vessels in the region have killed Indian sailors and raised concern about maritime security.

Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that discussions with Iran are continuing, but details remain sensitive. "External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," said Randhir Jaiswal.

Strait of Hormuz attacks and Indian casualties

Amid these talks, cargo ships have kept facing attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters. A Thai-flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, was struck near the Iraqi port of Basra on March 11, 2026. One Indian sailor died in that incident, while the vessel was travelling towards Kandla port in Gujarat.

The External Affairs Ministry reacted strongly after the Mayuree Naree attack, stressing concern over repeated strikes on merchant traffic. The Ministry said, "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 in the earlier phase of this conflict and the intensity and lethality of the attacks only seems to be increasing."

Strait of Hormuz conflict and earlier ship attacks

Since the West Asia war began on February 28, at least four Indian sailors have died in separate attacks on ships. The first vessel hit was MT Sky Light. Later, MT Vyom was targeted off Oman’s coast, followed by LCT ALYH. According to government sources, more than 20 Indian sailors have also suffered injuries.

Many of the injured are being treated in Oman, while Iran’s actions at sea continue to worry Indian officials. Sources say a large share of crew members on merchant ships in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are Indian nationals, and current missile, drone and suicide boat strikes, including those linked to Iran, pose a serious risk to their safety.

Strait of Hormuz diplomacy and Iran’s stance

Amid attacks on oil tankers and cargo ships involving suicide boats, drones and missiles, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on March 10, 2026. The two ministers discussed regional security, with a focus on shipping routes crucial for India’s energy imports and wider trade flows.

After that call, Iran laid blame on the United States for the crisis around the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said, "Iran's Foreign Minister reminded that the insecure situation and problems arising for shipping in the Persian Gulf are a result of the aggressive and destabilizing actions of the United States, and the international community must hold the U.S. accountable for this situation," the Iranian Foreign Ministry had said after a call.

Even as Saudi tankers successfully cross the Strait of Hormuz, Indian authorities have avoided confirming any similar arrangement. Government sources stress that India remains in regular ministerial contact with Iran, but public comments stay limited while attacks on cargo ships continue and the security picture around key West Asia waterways remains unstable.

The conflict has left families of Indian sailors dealing with grief and uncertainty. Relatives of Ashish Kumar, captain of MT Sky Light and reported dead in the strike, told The Hindu they want more proof. They have asked for DNA tests on remains kept in Oman, and officials say results will be shared after legal procedures are finished.