New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman on Sunday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that 11 Indian sailors were on board the ship, GFS Galaxy, at the time of the incident. Ten crew members have been safely evacuated, while one Indian sailor remains missing. Oman’s maritime rescue teams are continuing search operations to locate him. Calling the incident a matter of serious concern, India said that attacks on international shipping routes are unacceptable under any circumstances.
What did the Foreign Ministry say?
Hours after the incident, the Foreign Ministry issued an official statement condemning the attack. The ministry said that India is giving top priority to the safety of its citizens. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is in constant touch with the Oman administration and is keeping an eye on every detail of the rescue operation. According to the ministry, the search for the missing Indian is ongoing, and his family is also being constantly informed about the situation. India also expressed gratitude to the Government of Oman for its cooperation in relief work.
How did the whole incident happen?
According to international media reports, the ship was passing through a regular route near Oman’s territorial waters. During this time, it was allegedly fired upon by Iranian forces as a warning. Initial information has revealed that a part of the ship has been damaged. There was chaos among the crew members after the incident. The rescue team reached the spot, and most of the sailors were evacuated safely, but one Indian sailor is still unaccounted for.
Why has India’s concern increased?
The Foreign Ministry said that the increasing attacks on merchant ships in West Asia for some time have been a matter of concern. Such developments not only affect maritime security but also impact global trade and energy supplies. India believes that ensuring the security of international maritime routes is a shared responsibility of all countries. This is why New Delhi is continuously advocating for finding a solution through restraint and dialogue.
What did India say to the international community?
India has appealed to all parties to reduce tension. The Foreign Ministry said that in the current situation, there is a need to intensify diplomatic efforts so that peace and stability can be restored in the region. The ministry also reiterated that incidents of targeting commercial ships and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. It is extremely important to maintain uninterrupted movement and trade on sea routes in accordance with international law.
How much focus is there on the safety of Indian sailors?
Thousands of Indian sailors work on different sea routes of the world, and India remains constantly active regarding their safe operation. Coordination between Indian embassies and maritime agencies has also been strengthened following increased tensions in the Red Sea and West Asia in the last few years. History
Even after the current incident, the government has clarified that the relief and search operations will be continuously monitored until the missing Indian sailor is found. Also, contact will be maintained with Oman administration at every level so that the rescue operation can be successful soon.
