Maritime security concerns in the Gulf region deepened on Thursday after another Indian-linked commercial vessel, MT Jalveer, reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman. The incident occurred near Shinas Port and involved a ship carrying more than 20 sailors, according to maritime industry sources.
The development comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East are escalating rapidly, raising fresh concerns about the safety of international shipping routes and the welfare of Indian seafarers working aboard commercial vessels operating in the region.
The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed that it was aware of the incident and was in contact with local authorities to gather more information. In a statement, the embassy said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani officials regarding the vessel and its crew.
The reported attack on MT Jalveer follows a series of incidents involving Indian-crewed ships in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting the growing risks faced by commercial vessels amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
On Wednesday, India lodged strong concerns after American military action reportedly struck another vessel, Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. According to official information, 21 crew members were rescued, while three Indians were reported dead following the incident.
The tragedy marked the second such case involving an Indian-crewed vessel within the same week. Earlier, a tanker identified as Marivex, suspected by American authorities of being linked to the Iranian oil trade, was also targeted. Although the vessel was empty at the time, all 24 Indian crew members were safely evacuated.
The repeated incidents have intensified worries in New Delhi over the safety of Indian nationals working in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
According to military updates from the region, American forces have increased maritime enforcement operations amid rising hostilities. The US Central Command stated that it has disabled multiple vessels deemed non-compliant and redirected more than a hundred ships in recent operations aimed at maintaining security and monitoring maritime activity.
The latest maritime attacks are unfolding against the backdrop of renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Relations between the two countries have sharply deteriorated following recent military exchanges that threaten to unravel the fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year.
The current escalation reportedly began after a US Army helicopter was brought down, prompting retaliatory American strikes. Iran subsequently responded with military action, triggering air raid alerts and security warnings across several Gulf states.
Reacting to the deteriorating situation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning attacks on commercial shipping and expressing deep concern over the impact on Indian nationals.
The ministry said the attack on Settebello was particularly alarming and confirmed that Indian diplomatic officials were working closely with Omani authorities to support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. It added that the safety and security of Indian crew members remained a top priority.
The MEA emphasized that the continuing attacks on merchant vessels were a direct consequence of the widening regional conflict and warned that such incidents threaten international trade and maritime stability.
India also renewed its call for immediate de-escalation, urging all sides to pursue diplomatic engagement and negotiations instead of military confrontation. The ministry stressed that peace and stability in the Gulf are essential for global commerce, energy security, and the safety of thousands of civilian sailors operating in the region.
Further, New Delhi underlined that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure should never become targets in any conflict. It called for the restoration of safe, free, and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
As investigations continue into the attack on MT Jalveer, authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the condition of those on board. The latest attack serves as another reminder of the growing dangers facing commercial shipping in the Gulf as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
