India condemns UAE strike, calls it unacceptable
India on Monday strongly condemned the drone and missile attack on the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling the targeting of civilians and infrastructure “unacceptable.”
“Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable,” PM Modi posted on X. “India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy.”
He also stressed that ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is “vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security.”
The attack on the Fujairah oil facility came amid heightened tensions in West Asia, shortly after the United States launched Project Freedom to escort stranded merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran since the conflict began on February 28.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also described the strike as “unacceptable” and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. “We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians,” a statement from the ministry read.
Reiterating its position, the ministry backed dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region, while underscoring the need for free and lawful maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It added that India “stands ready to support all efforts for a peaceful resolution of issues.”
While Indian officials did not directly name Iran, the UAE has accused Tehran of carrying out Monday’s attacks using drones and missiles, including the strike on the Fujairah facility.
The attack triggered a major fire at the industrial zone, leaving three Indian workers with moderate injuries. They were treated in the hospital.
The incident marks the first attack on the UAE since Iran and the United States agreed to a ceasefire on April 8.
Iran, however, denied any pre-planned involvement. State broadcaster IRIB quoted a military source as blaming “US military adventurism” for escalating tensions, claiming it was aimed at facilitating the “illegal transit of ships” through the restricted waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
