India Condemns Attack on Merchant Vessel off Oman; One Indian Missing

New Delhi: India on Sunday condemned the attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel had been rescued, while one Indian 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 one Indian national is reportedly missing," the MEA said in a statement.

The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

"We thank the Omani authorities for their support," the statement said.

Describing the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region as "deeply worrisome", the MEA reiterated India's call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"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 ministry said.