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New Delhi : India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, calling the incident deeply alarming and urging all sides to immediately de-escalate tensions in the region.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is closely monitoring developments and that the Indian Embassy in Oman is working with Omani authorities during the ongoing search and rescue operation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian nationals, adding that the embassy remains in constant coordination with local officials.
Expressing concern over the growing threat to maritime security, India said repeated attacks on commercial shipping endanger regional peace and disrupt global trade. The government called for an immediate halt to attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure while stressing the need to ensure free, safe and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways.
According to the MEA, 11 Indian nationals were on board the GFS Galaxy when the vessel came under attack. Ten Indian crew members have been rescued, while search efforts continue for one missing Indian. The embassy is actively assisting authorities and closely following rescue operations.
The incident has further heightened tensions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) alleged that the Cyprus-flagged vessel was attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), causing extensive damage, including a fire in the engine room. CENTCOM also confirmed that one civilian crew member remains unaccounted for.
Following the incident, the United States announced retaliatory military strikes against Iranian targets, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
The attack has once again drawn global attention to the security of one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, through which a significant share of international oil and commercial cargo passes.
India reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only sustainable path to restoring peace and stability in the region while ensuring the safety of international shipping.
