On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India condemned the attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman on May 13, describing the incident as “unacceptable.” The ministry, however, refrained from identifying the country responsible for the attack. In its statement, the MEA expressed concern over the ongoing targeting of commercial shipping and civilian mariners, emphasizing the need for the safety of all crew members.
All Indian crew members aboard the attacked vessel were reported safe after being rescued by Omani authorities. The MEA stressed the importance of avoiding attacks on commercial vessels and innocent civilians, highlighting that such actions jeopardize freedom of navigation and commerce. This condemnation coincides with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s call for BRICS nations to denounce what he termed the “illegal aggression” of the U.S. and Israel against Iran, as India prepares to chair the BRICS summit in 2026.
During the summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advocated for practical solutions to counter “unilateral coercive” sanctions, which disproportionately affect developing nations. He underscored that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving the Middle East crisis, while also calling for unimpeded maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. Jaishankar reiterated the necessity of upholding international law and protecting civilians to foster lasting peace.
