An Indian sailor has been killed in a drone strike on an Indian commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, bringing the number of Indian seafarers killed since the West Asia conflict began in February to 23, The Hindu reports. The victim was named as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, from Gujarat.
India's foreign ministry called for dialogue and diplomacy, said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop, and urged the restoration of free navigation through the region's waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. The strike came on the same day as US air strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, which pushed oil prices higher. Separately, Indian forces rescued 20 Iranian crew from a fishing boat seized by pirates far off Mumbai. A ministry spokesperson said India was closely monitoring developments.
Source: The Hindu