Israel embassy authorities with police personnel conduct a search operation after an alleged explosion occurred near the embassy in New Delhi on Dec 26, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

NEW DELHI/JERUSALEM - India's defense minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said the Indian government has taken the recent drone attacks on commercial ships in the Arabian Sea very seriously and will find the culprits.

"The Government of India has taken the recent drone attack on M V Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea and the attack on M V Sai Baba in the Red Sea a few days ago very seriously. Indian Navy has increased surveillance of the sea. Whoever has carried out this attack, we will find them even from the depths of the sea and strict action will be taken against them."

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On Saturday a drone attack hit the ship M V Chem Pluto off India's coast in the Arabian Sea, which reportedly caused an explosion and fire on the merchant ship, but no casualties.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Also on Tuesday, Israel confirmed that an explosion took place adjacent to its embassy in the Indian capital of New Delhi, causing no casualties

M V Chem Pluto, the Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker with 21 crew, including a Vietnamese national, reached Mumbai on Monday. On its arrival, the Indian Navy's explosive ordnance disposal team carried out a detailed inspection of the merchant vessel. 

Also on Tuesday, Israel confirmed that an explosion took place adjacent to its embassy in the Indian capital of New Delhi, causing no casualties.

"There were no injuries as a result of the explosion, and all envoys and staff are well," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

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The ministry added that the incident is under investigation by local authorities in coordination with Israeli agencies.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear. Indian media reported that the local police received a call about a blast near the embassy in the Chanakyapuri area, a diplomatic quarter in the capital city, at around 6 pm (1230 GMT).