India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the missile attack on the Thai-flagged cargo vessel Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026. The 30,000-tonne bulk carrier, en route to Kandla port in Gujarat after departing from the UAE, was struck by two projectiles that triggered a severe fire in the engine room. The attack underscores the growing dangers to civilian vessels navigating key maritime trade routes in the region.
The Royal Navy of Oman successfully rescued 20 crew members who had abandoned the ship in liferafts, but three crew members remain missing and are feared trapped. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for the incident, highlighting the escalating risks to both civilian crews and global trade amidst the deepening Middle East conflict.
Violence at Sea: The Human and Economic Cost
The attack on the Mayuree Naree occurred approximately 11 nautical miles north of the Omani coast, bringing a violent end to a brief four-day lull in maritime hostilities. According to ship operator Precious Shipping, the projectiles struck near the stern, causing powerful explosions that ignited an intense blaze in the engine room and severely crippled the vessel.
“India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated, warning that the scale and lethality of such strikes are reaching a critical level. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also highlighted the growing humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict.
He noted that “precious lives, including of Indian citizens, have already been lost in multiple such attacks.” The safety of the 23 Thai nationals on board has now become a major international concern, as the Royal Thai Navy works with regional authorities to locate the three missing sailors who were reportedly in the engine compartment when the projectiles struck.
A Chokepoint Under Siege
The strike on the Mayuree Naree is not an isolated incident but part of a wider deterioration of security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global corridor through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Since the conflict intensified in late February 2026, at least 16 merchant vessels have reportedly been targeted, bringing commercial maritime traffic in the region close to a standstill.
The disruption carries serious implications for India, which depends heavily on this route for its energy imports. Reports indicate that the supply of nearly 60 mmscmd of gas from the Middle East has already been affected. Earlier attacks during the current phase of the conflict have also claimed the lives of two Indian seafarers, while another remains missing.
As global oil prices surge and maritime insurance premiums skyrocket, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its concern over the growing instability. The ministry stressed that targeting commercial shipping, endangering civilian crew members, or disrupting freedom of navigation and commerce must be avoided to prevent a complete breakdown of international maritime stability.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no political or military objective can justify the targeting of innocent civilians or the destruction of shared global spaces. The attack on the Mayuree Naree is a stark reminder of how rapidly conflicts can spill beyond borders, turning neutral trade routes into battlefields and merchant sailors into collateral damage.
We stand firmly for peace, dialogue, and the sanctity of human life. In an increasingly interconnected world shaped by trade and shared humanity, such acts of aggression only deepen communal wounds and economic hardship. We urge global leaders to prioritize de-escalation, diplomacy, and empathy over military posturing so that the seas remain bridges of cooperation rather than graveyards for the innocent.
Also Read: Beyond the Caller ID: Five Critical Things That CNAP Won’t Tell You About Unknown Calls
Statement regarding ship bound for Kandla, India ⬇️
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 11, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/CdtmMXAdPY pic.twitter.com/xVK9AymYn2
