New Delhi, March 11 -- India, in its first statement after the targeting of a Thai-flagged cargo vessel, said that it "deplores" the attack on a commercial shipping. India also reiterated that assaults on merchant vessels and actions that endanger the lives of crew members must be avoided. Mayuree Naree was bound for Kandla in Kutch district of Gujarat, India.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "We have seen reports about the attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March. The ship was bound for Kandla in India."

"India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Precious lives, including of Indian citizen...