India on Sunday condemned the attack on the merchant vessel that was struck by what Iran described as a warning shot near the coast of Oman, confirming that 11 Indian seafarers were onboard. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 10 of them have been rescued, while one Indian national remains missing.
"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 1 Indian National is reportedly missing," the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry added that the Indian Embassy in Muscat is working closely with Omani authorities as search and rescue operations continue.
"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.
The attack reportedly set the Cyprus-flagged vessel, GFS Galaxy, on fire, forcing its crew to abandon the ship.
'Warning shot' and renewed military strikes
According to Iran, the GFS Galaxy was hit by a warning shot after allegedly travelling along an unauthorised route through the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred shortly before Tehran once again declared the strategic waterway closed, amid escalating tensions with the United States following days of uneasy calm.
Iran claimed the vessel had violated approved transit routes and warned that any retaliation over the incident would invite a "severe response."
The United States subsequently launched another round of military strikes on Iranian targets, citing the attack on the commercial vessel. It marked the third wave of US military action against Iran during the week.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said around 140 Iranian military targets were struck in the latest operation, including missile and drone launch sites, naval assets, ammunition depots, communication infrastructure and coastal surveillance facilities.
CENTCOM added that more than 300 Iranian targets had been hit over three consecutive nights of operations.
Iran reportedly responded by launching attacks targeting several countries across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the central issue in efforts by Tehran and Washington to negotiate a lasting end to the conflict that began on February 28 this year.
India calls for immediate de-escalation
In its statement, the MEA also expressed concern over the continued attacks on commercial vessels operating in the region.
"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 ministry said.
It further stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop.
"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," the MEA added.
