India Condemns Attack on Ship with Indian Crew Off Oman, One Missing
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday condemned an attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members off the coast of Oman, describing the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East as 'deeply worrisome'.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board have been rescued, while one person remains missing. India's Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
'We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian national is reportedly missing,' Jaiswal said. He thanked the Omani authorities for their support.
The MEA reiterated New Delhi's call for immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. 'The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,' the statement read.
'The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,' he added.
The incident occurred hours after the United States launched a third round of strikes against Iran, accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel suffered significant engine room damage, an onboard fire broke out, and one civilian crew member remains missing.
