The Indian government has issued a sharp condemnation following an Iranian drone strike on the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone (FOIZ) in the United Arab Emirates, an incident that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterized the assault on the critical energy hub as “unacceptable,” signaling a firm stance as regional tensions between Washington and Tehran reach a new boiling point.
The attack occurred on Monday, May 4, 2026, targeting the eastern emirate of Fujairah—a strategic maritime artery that allows oil to bypass the narrow Strait of Hormuz. Local authorities confirmed that while UAE air defenses intercepted three incoming missiles, a drone strike successfully hit the industrial zone, sparking a massive blaze. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi verified that the three injured Indians sustained moderate injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment, with diplomatic officials monitoring their welfare closely.
Speaking on the escalation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for an immediate halt to violence. “The targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians is unacceptable,” Jaiswal stated during a press briefing on Tuesday. “We call for the immediate cessation of these hostilities and urge all parties to return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to restore stability across West Asia.”
The timing of the strike is particularly sensitive, coming just weeks after a fragile ceasefire had supposedly taken hold in the region. The resurgence of hostilities has sparked international concern over the safety of global energy supply chains. India, which relies heavily on the Middle East for its energy security, specifically highlighted the importance of maintaining “free and unimpeded navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
As the UAE returns to remote learning and heightens its security alerts, New Delhi has reiterated its readiness to support all efforts for a peaceful resolution. This latest incident underscores the precarious nature of the current geopolitical climate, where the safety of the Indian diaspora—numbering over 3.5 million in the UAE alone—remains a top priority for the Indian government.