India Condemns Oman Vessel Attack, 13 Indian Seafarers Rescued, 1 Missing
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday condemned the attack on commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman.
It called for immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region the MEA said that targeting of commercial shipping in the region is unacceptable.
There were 14 Indian seafarers onboard the vessel when it came under attack, media reported.
The ministry said that 13 of them have been rescued and search is on for the missing national.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 14 Indian crew onboard, 13 Indians have been rescued so far. Search and Rescue operations for the missing Indian national are continuing,” the MEA said.
The ministry stated that Indian Embassy in Oman is “closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.”
“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable,” the MEA said.
The Embassy of India in Oman also said that search and rescue operations for 13 Indian nationals had been completed and that they had been safely shifted ashore.
“The Mission is closely monitoring the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for the 14 Indian nationals on board the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia. SAR operations for 13 Indian nationals have been completed, and they have been shifted ashore safely. The Omani authorities are continuing SAR efforts for the one missing crew member. We thank the Omani authorities for their continued support and assistance,” the Embassy said in a post on X.
The attack came against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia, even as BRICS nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE, have called for de-escalation and peace in the region.
The New Delhi Declaration, adopted by BRICS leaders on Saturday, expressed “deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia” and called for “maximum restraint as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation.”
The declaration also called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
BRICS called for dialogue and diplomacy towards a long-term understanding that would contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region, while stressing the need to maintain the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy in accordance with applicable international law.
