The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on an Indian-flagged vessel off the coast of Oman, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and expressing deep concern over the continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region.
All Indian Crew Safe
In an official statement, the MEA confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the ship were safe and expressed gratitude to the Omani authorities for their rescue efforts. “The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” said the MEA spokesperson. “All Indian crew on board are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them.”
India's Call for Protection of Maritime Trade
India reiterated its firm stance against attacks on merchant vessels and disruptions to maritime trade routes. “India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” the MEA added.
The incident occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia and ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route. Despite the security situation, multiple India-bound LPG tankers have continued to transit the strait over the past 24 hours.
India-Bound LPG Vessels Continue Transit
According to reports, two foreign-flagged LPG carriers carrying cooking gas for India recently completed their transit through the strait. One of them, the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel Symi, carrying approximately 20,000 tonnes of liquid propane and butane, is headed to Deen Dayal Port in Kandla with a crew comprising eight Ukrainians and 13 Filipinos. Another Vietnam-flagged vessel, NV Sunshine, carrying LPG, completed its transit on Thursday morning and is proceeding towards New Mangalore port.
Officials stated that the movement of ships through the strait is being conducted with close coordination among India’s Directorate General of Shipping, and the ministries of external affairs, defence, and petroleum and natural gas. Currently, 13 India-flagged ships are in the Persian Gulf awaiting passage through the conflict-hit route.
The MEA’s condemnation underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the safety of its seafarers amid regional instability.
