Our Bureau
New Delhi
India on Sunday condemned an attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, saying 13 of the 14 Indian crew members onboard had been rescued. Search and rescue operations continued for the one missing Indian national, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing rescue operation. The embassy said the 13 rescued Indians had been safely shifted ashore and thanked Omani authorities for their support.
The Panama-flagged vessel was attacked earlier on Sunday while operating off the Omani coast. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers in the region, particularly amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
In its statement, the MEA described the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure as “unacceptable”. It reiterated India’s call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.
India also called for the earliest restoration of free and safe navigation and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways. The ministry said the Indian Embassy remained engaged with Omani authorities as efforts continued to locate the missing crew member.
The incident comes amid renewed maritime security concerns in the region, where attacks on commercial vessels have heightened risks for international shipping and Indian seafarers.