New Delhi, Jul 12: New Delhi on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, saying that one Indian national remains missing while 10 others have been rescued.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “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 the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is working with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
“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 statement said.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in regional waters, the MEA said the continuing attacks on commercial shipping were “deeply worrisome.”
“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 ministry said.
Calling for the protection of international maritime trade, the MEA stressed that “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 statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following the attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship, which triggered a major search and rescue operation involving Omani authorities. India has been closely monitoring the safety of its nationals working aboard commercial vessels operating in the region.
