India condemns attack on merchant vessel near Oman, 10 Indian seafarers rescued, one still missing
India on Sunday condemned the attack on a merchant vessel near the coast of Oman after Iranian forces allegedly fired a so-called warning shot at the ship, leaving one Indian seafarer missing while 10 others were rescued.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said there were 11 Indian nationals on board the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy when it came under attack. “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,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry added that the Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely coordinating with Omani authorities as search and rescue operations continue. The MEA said the Indian mission in Oman is actively monitoring the situation and assisting local authorities in efforts to locate the missing crew member.
“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. We thank the Omani authorities for their support,” the statement said.
India also expressed concern over the continued attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions. “The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. 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.
It further stressed that attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels must stop and that free navigation through international waterways should be restored in accordance with international law.
The Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy caught fire after being hit by what Iran described as a warning shot, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel.
According to reports, the incident occurred shortly before Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz once again.
Tehran claimed the vessel was travelling along an unapproved route in the conflict-hit waterway and warned that any retaliation over the incident would invite a “severe response.”
The attack on the merchant vessel was followed by a fresh wave of US military strikes against Iran.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), around 140 Iranian military targets were struck during the latest operation. The targets reportedly included missile and drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition depots, communication infrastructure and coastal surveillance sites.
The US military said more than 300 targets have been struck over three consecutive nights this week.
Iran reportedly responded by launching attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, further escalating tensions across the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the ongoing standoff between Washington and Tehran, with the strategic waterway emerging as a major obstacle in efforts to reach a permanent peace agreement.