Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
An Indian national was killed in a drone strike on an Indian commercial ship off the coast of Oman on Tuesday (November 3, 2026), prompting New Delhi to call for “dialogue and diplomacy” and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The death of Gandhar Nahim Ajij, from Gujarat, takes the number of Indian seafarers killed since the conflict in West Asia began in February to 23.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the statement added.
The drone strike came on a day when the United States carried out airstrikes on the Iranian island of Qeshm, according to officials. On the same day, Indian military personnel rescued 20 Iranian crew members from a fishing vessel seized by pirates about 3,000 km off Mumbai.
The developments underscored the volatility of the situation in the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Hormuz, despite a loose ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Tensions have remained high amid threats by U.S. President Donald Trump that, if peace talks fail, the U.S. would launch further attacks on Iran after the midterm elections.
‘Heavy toll’
The U.S. strikes on Qeshm Island, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, sent oil prices higher on Tuesday. Asked about the action, which is believed to have been carried out in retaliation for Iranian strikes on a U.S. fighter jet over the island a few days earlier, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was closely monitoring developments in the region.
“The conflict has already taken a very heavy toll in terms of casualties and has been disrupting people’s lives, not just in the region, but across the world. It has had a debilitating impact on global food, fuel, fertilizer, and financial flows, and we urge cessation of hostility so that normalcy can be restored,” Mr. Jaiswal said in response to a question from The Hindu.
Ajij died after a weaponised drone of unidentified origin attacked the ship, MSV AL JUSUFI. Omani naval personnel rescued 13 Indians aboard the vessel. The Centre said it was discussing the return of the rescued Indians and the body of Ajij.
Iranians rescued
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran said the Indian Navy, supported by the Indian Air Force, rescued 20 Iranian crew members from the fishing vessel Azini in an operation on Monday (November 2, 2026). The crew had been held by pirates about 3,000 km from Mumbai.
The embassy said the operation “highlighted the commitment of the Indian Navy to thwart the resurgence of piracy in the region” and India’s role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean.
Thanking the naval personnel, the Iranian Embassy in Delhi praised their “professionalism, courage and effective coordination”, saying the operation reflected India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and its role in saving lives beyond borders. It also said the rescue demonstrated the “friendship and solidarity” shared by Iran and India.
Published – November 03, 2026 01:02 pm IST
