NEW DELHI: India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, confirming that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board have been rescued while one Indian citizen remains missing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities as search and rescue efforts continue.
The incident has once again highlighted growing security concerns in the Gulf region, where repeated attacks on commercial vessels have threatened maritime trade and regional stability. India also renewed its appeal for an immediate reduction in tensions and called for the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.
MEA Confirms Rescue of 10 Indian Nationals
In an official statement issued on July 12, the Ministry of External Affairs said India condemns the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy that occurred earlier in the day off the coast of Oman.
According to the ministry, 10 of the 11 Indian crew members have been rescued safely. However, one Indian national is still reported missing, and efforts are underway to locate the individual.
The MEA stated that the Indian Embassy in Oman is actively coordinating with Omani authorities and closely monitoring developments related to the ongoing search and rescue operation.
India also expressed gratitude to the Government of Oman and its rescue agencies for extending prompt assistance during the emergency.
Embassy in Oman Monitoring the Situation
The Ministry said Indian diplomats in Muscat remain in constant contact with local authorities to ensure that all possible support is provided to the rescued crew members and to facilitate efforts to trace the missing Indian national.
Officials added that the embassy will continue to provide necessary assistance to affected Indian citizens and remain engaged with the Omani administration until the rescue mission is completed.
The government has not yet disclosed the identities of the rescued crew members or the missing Indian national.
India Raises Concern Over Maritime Security
Beyond the immediate rescue operation, India expressed deep concern over the increasing number of attacks targeting commercial shipping in the region.
The MEA described the continuing incidents against merchant vessels as “deeply worrisome” and warned that such attacks threaten international trade, energy supplies, and the safety of civilian seafarers.
India emphasized that commercial shipping must not become a target during regional conflicts and stressed that civilian infrastructure should remain protected under international law.
The statement also highlighted the importance of maintaining uninterrupted maritime commerce, especially through strategically important international waterways.
Call for Immediate De-escalation
India reiterated its longstanding position that rising tensions in the region should be addressed through diplomacy rather than military confrontation.
The MEA urged all parties involved in the ongoing regional crisis to pursue dialogue and conclude negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
According to the ministry, restoring peace and stability is essential not only for countries in the Gulf but also for global economic security, given the region’s critical role in international energy exports and maritime trade.
India stressed that attacks on civilian vessels only increase uncertainty and risk further escalation.
Protection of International Shipping
The government called for the immediate restoration of free, safe, and uninterrupted navigation through international waters.
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The MEA said that freedom of navigation and maritime commerce must be preserved in accordance with international law. Ensuring the security of shipping lanes is essential for global supply chains, energy transportation, and international trade.
India maintained that international waterways should remain open and accessible without threats to commercial vessels or civilian crews.
Growing Risks in the Region
The latest attack comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where commercial vessels have increasingly faced security threats linked to ongoing regional conflicts.
Several international shipping companies have already been forced to reassess routes and enhance security measures due to repeated incidents affecting maritime traffic.
India has consistently advocated restraint and peaceful dialogue while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the interests of thousands of Indian seafarers working aboard international merchant ships.
With a significant number of Indian nationals employed in the global shipping industry, New Delhi continues to closely monitor developments that could affect their safety.
Search Operation Continues
As rescue operations continue off the coast of Oman, Indian authorities remain hopeful that the missing crew member will be located safely.
The Ministry of External Affairs said it will remain in close coordination with Omani authorities and continue extending all necessary assistance through the Indian Embassy.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Indian citizens overseas while calling upon the international community to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and uphold international maritime law.
The incident serves as another reminder of the fragile security situation in the Gulf region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and safeguard one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
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