A Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker carrying three Indian seafarers was involved in a possible attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with all crew members reported safe, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
In a post on X, Sonowal said the vessel, NCC FAJR, was involved in the incident on November 11.
He added that the authorities were closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew.
The incident comes a day after a Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was hit by a projectile while sailing through the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai.
Four crew members were injured in the November 10 attack, including an Indian national who sustained minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical examination.
The remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian seafarers, were safe, Sonowal had said.
Amid rising tensions in West Asia and repeated incidents involving commercial vessels, India has called for safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that New Delhi was in touch with all concerned parties to prevent attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, including Indian nationals and Indian-flagged vessels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, handling around 20 per cent of the world's petroleum shipments. India relies heavily on the route for its crude oil imports.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)