MEA condemns attack on Thai ship sailing to India, says loss of innocent lives in clash ‘unacceptable’

India expressed regret over the attack on the Thai-flagged cargo ship “Mayuree Naree” in the Strait of Hormuz and confirmed that the ship was heading to Kandla Port in Gujarat. It condemned the merchant ship as being targeted in the ongoing conflict.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that targeting Thai cargo ships and endangering the lives of innocent civilians should be avoided. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared this position on X with the caption “Statement on ships bound for Kandla, India.”The statement said, “We have seen reports that a Thai ship Mayuree Naree was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The ship was originally bound for Kandla, India. India regrets that commercial shipping has been targeted by military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.”It also condemned the loss of innocent lives in recent attacks, including two Indians, one missing, and criticized the increasing intensity of attacks.“Precious lives, including those of Indian citizens, have already been lost in multiple such attacks in the early stages of this conflict, and the intensity and lethality of the attacks only appear to be increasing,” the report said.It further urged that commercial ships be excluded from attacks.“India reiterates that it should avoid targeting commercial shipping, endangering innocent civilian crews, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce,” the statement read.A Thai-flagged commercial ship on its way to India was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for the attack.Thailand’s Transport Ministry said in a statement that three of the 23 crew members on board were missing.