One Indian Missing After Iran Strikes Ship in Strait of Hormuz; MEA Condemns Attack

An Indian seafarer is missing and 10 others have been rescued after a Cyprus-flagged container ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The attack, which occurred off the coast of Oman, has been condemned by New Delhi, which called for an end to the targeting of civilian shipping and infrastructure in the region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the MEA confirmed that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel, the GFS Galaxy, had been rescued, while one was reported missing. The statement did not name Iran directly, but condemned the attack and urged de-escalation of tensions in West Asia.

“We reiterate our call for 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 MEA said.

The incident comes amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran. The US Central Command reported that the ship suffered significant engine room damage and a fire broke out, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel. US forces launched retaliatory strikes against Iran, according to US officials.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, however, stated that multiple vessels had ignored warnings to correct their course, and one ship was struck by a warning shot. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre noted that the ship was traveling along a route hugging Oman’s coastline, a common path to avoid Iranian territorial waters.

This is the latest in a series of attacks that have put Indian lives at risk since the conflict in West Asia began in February. The MEA has previously expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, which threaten regional peace and security. India has maintained a careful diplomatic stance, avoiding direct naming of Iran while condemning attacks on commercial shipping.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited four West Asian countries—Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain—and is now heading to the United States. The Indian embassy in Oman is coordinating with Omani authorities in the search for the missing seafarer.