Iran attacks commercial vessel carrying 11 Indians, one goes missing; New Delhi condemns attack
PTC News Desk: India on Sunday condemned the attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy, which was hit by what Iranian forces described as a warning shot near the coast of Oman. The government said there were 11 Indian seafarers onboard the ship, of whom 10 have been rescued while one is still reported missing.
According to Iran, the vessel was fired upon shortly before it announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz once again. Tehran claimed the ship was travelling on an unauthorised route and warned that any retaliation over the incident would receive a "severe response."
"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. 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 Ministry of External Affairs 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," the ministry stated.
The attack came amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States after days of fragile calm in the region.
India also expressed serious concern over the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Middle East and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of international shipping routes.
"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 MEA said in its statement.
Commercial ships and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted in accordance with international law, it stressed.
"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," it added.
- With inputs from agencies
