India has reacted to reports of a missile attack on the Thai-flagged cargo vessel Mayuree Naree near the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The ship was headed for Kandla port in Gujarat. In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said India deplores the targeting of commercial shipping in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The government also stressed that attacks on merchant vessels and actions that endanger the lives of crew members must be avoided, and freedom of navigation and commerce should not be impeded. According to reports, two projectiles struck the vessel above the waterline, triggering explosions and a fire on board. Twenty of the 23 Thai crew members evacuated using life rafts and were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman, while search operations continue for three missing crew members.