The strikes
targeted Fujairah, a critical global maritime artery on the UAE’s eastern
seaboard, which serves as a primary
bypass for oil exports
outside the volatile
Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, the Prime Minister conveyed
his distress over the escalation, stating, “Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted
in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure
is unacceptable.”
He further
emphasised the depth of the bilateral relationship, noting that “India stands in firm solidarity
with the UAE” and continues to advocate for the “peaceful
resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Underscoring the
strategic importance of the region’s maritime corridors, PM Modi highlighted
that “ensuring safe and
unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring
regional peace, stability and global energy security.”
New Delhi’s condemnation was first articulated by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal,
who, in an official statement on the attack on Fujairah, emphasised India’s
stance on the escalating regional situation.
He noted that the
targeting of innocent civilians must cease and reiterated that India continues
to stand for “dialogue and diplomacy” to restore peace and stability across
West Asia.
Highlighting the
importance of global trade routes, the spokesperson called for “free and unimpeded navigation and
commerce” through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that such
activities must remain “in
keeping with international law.”
The Ministry further stated that India stands ready to
support all efforts directed towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing
issues in the region. In line with this diplomatic stance, the Indian Embassy
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that three Indian nationals
sustained injuries during “today’s attacks in Fujairah”.
According to the mission, officials are currently in
coordination with local agencies to guarantee that the injured individuals
receive “adequate medical care and welfare”.
Reports indicate
the three individuals sustained moderate injuries following a fire sparked by
the strikes in the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone (FOIZ).
The development
follows a sharp rebuke from the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which
denounced the “renewed unprovoked Iranian aggression” involving the deployment
of drones and missiles.
The Ministry
verified that the three Indian citizens were caught in the crossfire of Iran’s
strikes directed at “civilian sites and facilities”.
Labelling the
offensive an “unacceptable act of aggression”, the Ministry described the move
as a “direct threat to the UAE’s security, stability and territorial
integrity”, while noting it stands in “violation of the principles of
international law and the Charter of the United Nations”.
UAE authorities
have made it clear that the nation will not accept any infringement on its
“security and sovereignty under any circumstances”.
The Ministry
further asserted that the UAE “reserves its full and legitimate right to
respond to these unprovoked attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of
its sovereignty, national security, territorial integrity, and the safety of
its citizens, residents, and visitors, in accordance with international law”.
A demand to “immediately
halt these attacks” was issued, alongside a call for “full compliance with the cessation
of all hostilities”, while the official statement held Tehran “fully responsible for these
unprovoked attacks and their repercussions”.
On Monday,(4 May) the UAE’s Ministry of Defence reported the
detection of “four
cruise missiles launched from Iran” aimed at multiple locations
across the country. The Ministry clarified that loud noises reported in various
regions were the “result of successful interception of the aerial threats”.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA)
issued a public advisory on X, stating, “Air defence systems are currently
responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow
official channels for warnings and updates”.
Citizens and residents were further instructed “not to approach, touch
or photograph any fragments or objects that have fallen” from the sky following
the interceptions, to ensure the “relevant authorities assess the situation”
safely.