India Condemns Attack on Merchant Vessel, One Seafarer Missing Off Oman

India has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian seafarer unaccounted for among the 14 Indian crew members. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) labeled the targeting of commercial shipping, civilians, and civilian infrastructure as “unacceptable,” underscoring the ongoing risks faced by Indian nationals working at sea. Thirteen crew members were successfully rescued with the assistance of the Omani authorities, and search and rescue operations continue for the missing seafarer, with the Indian Embassy in Oman closely coordinating efforts.

In its statement, the MEA expressed gratitude to the Omani government for their swift support, while reiterating India’s significant concern over repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of Indian seafarers, who have been disproportionately affected by the escalating West Asia conflict. The situation is dire: ten Indian seafarers are among the sixteen Indians reported killed in the conflict, and five more have lost their lives due to strikes on merchant vessels in the Black Sea.

Amid these mounting security risks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the recent BRICS summit, proposed the creation of a “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network” to better protect Indian and international seafarers. The MEA called for the urgent restoration of safe navigation and free circulation of commerce through international waterways, emphasizing the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and regional stability to ensure the safety of maritime operations.