'Deeply worrisome': MEA condemns attack on vessel carrying Indian crew off Oman

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Sunday condemned the attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members off Oman coast, calling the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East "deeply worrisome".MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement, said that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board were rescued, while one person is still reportedly missing.Jaiswal said India's Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation."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," Jaiswal said."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," he added.Further, the MEA spokesperson also reiterated New Delhi's call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East between the United States and Iran."The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome.

We reiterate our call for the 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 statement read."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," he added.The incident came hours after the United States launched a third round of strikes against Iran, accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel suffered significant engine room damage in the attack, an onboard fire broke out, and one civilian crew member remains missing."At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said.