India Reports LPG Tanker Attack in Iranian Waters

India reported that a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker carrying 28 Indian crew members came under attack in Iranian territorial waters, as New Delhi raised concerns over growing threats facing commercial shipping amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran said it is in close contact with relevant authorities following the attack on the vessel DISHA on Friday. The embassy confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the tanker are safe and that it is closely monitoring developments.

The incident comes amid a broader increase in maritime security concerns, with commercial vessels facing heightened risks in strategic shipping routes affected by regional conflicts.

In a separate incident, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the commercial vessel MV OMORFI was attacked while sailing through the Black Sea in waters reported to be under Russian jurisdiction.

The ministry said the incident resulted in the death of one Indian national, while two others were reported safe. Indian diplomatic representatives in Russia have contacted local authorities regarding the attack.

India condemned the targeting of commercial vessels, emphasizing the need to protect civilian shipping and ensure the safety of seafarers operating in increasingly contested maritime zones.

The incidents highlight growing challenges for maritime workers as international conflicts continue to affect major shipping corridors, including tensions in the Middle East and surrounding regions.

Last month, U.S. forces targeted vessels carrying Indian crews in the Gulf of Oman, prompting Indian authorities to summon a U.S. embassy official in New Delhi to address the situation.

India's Directorate General of Shipping has issued advisories urging Indian-flagged vessels, as well as foreign-flagged ships operating with Indian interests, to exercise "extreme caution" when navigating waters near Yemen, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the southern Red Sea.

The warnings come as shipping companies and governments reassess risks across some of the world's most important maritime routes, where disruptions could affect energy supplies, trade flows, and the safety of thousands of seafarers.