New delhi: India has expressed concern over shipping attacks in the Strait of Hormuz following renewed fighting between the United States and Iran. The Indian government on Tuesday summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini in New Delhi after one Indian sailor was killed and several injured in missile attacks on two UAE-flagged oil tankers.

According to Nam News Network, the Al Bahiyah and Mombasa crude oil tankers were carrying 30 Indian seafarers among their combined crew of 46, as stated by India's External Affairs Ministry on Tuesday. "Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, nine have sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be seriously injured," the statement said.

The UAE's Defence Ministry earlier blamed Iran for Monday's attacks on the tankers, which are operated by a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). "The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned this morning by the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest against these attacks was lodged with him," the Indian statement added.

"We also reiterate our deep concern over the resumption of attacks and the escalation of hostilities in the West Asian region, and call for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region," the statement further emphasized.

India's benchmark stock indexes dropped amid renewed military escalation in West Asia, with the rupee declining 62 paise to close at 96.3 against the US dollar. The Sensex fell 561 points, or 0.72 percent, to end at 77,054.9, while the Nifty 50 closed 159 points, or 0.66 percent, lower at 24,052.