New Delhi: A fresh escalation in the West Asia conflict has placed Indian nationals at risk once again after a Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel carrying 11 Indian seafarers came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One Indian crew member remains missing, while 10 others have been rescued, prompting India to strongly condemn the attack and renew its call for restraint, diplomacy, and the protection of civilian maritime traffic in the strategically vital waterway.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the commercial vessel M/V GFS Galaxy was attacked off the coast of Oman during a period of heightened military tensions between Iran and the United States. The incident occurred amid a fresh exchange of strikes between the two countries, further intensifying instability in the region and raising concerns over the safety of international shipping routes.
In an official statement, the MEA confirmed that 10 Indian nationals had been rescued, while one Indian seafarer is reportedly missing. The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Omani authorities involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
India also expressed appreciation to the Omani authorities for their support in rescue efforts while emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of civilian shipping operating in international waters.
The MEA described the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region as “deeply worrisome” and reiterated India’s appeal for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. It stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through diplomatic engagement and ongoing negotiations.
Since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28, at least 11 Indian nationals have reportedly lost their lives, underscoring the growing risks faced by Indian citizens employed in the global shipping industry.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the Cyprus-flagged container ship suffered significant damage after being struck while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US military, the vessel’s engine room was severely damaged, an onboard fire broke out, and one civilian crew member was reported missing, forcing the ship to abandon its voyage.
CENTCOM further announced that US forces launched another round of military strikes against Iran following the attack on the merchant vessel, describing the action as a response to what it called an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre said the vessel had been sailing along a route close to the Omani coastline, a path commonly used by commercial ships seeking to avoid Iranian territorial waters while entering or exiting the Persian Gulf.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, however, stated that several vessels had ignored official warnings and failed to follow what it described as the approved navigation route. According to Iranian authorities, one of the ships was struck by what they termed a “warning shot” after allegedly disregarding instructions.
Notably, India refrained from directly naming Iran in its official statement, maintaining its cautious diplomatic approach despite condemning the attack. New Delhi has consistently sought to balance its relations with both Tehran and Washington while advocating restraint during periods of regional conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to shipping through the region has the potential to impact international trade, energy markets, and the safety of thousands of seafarers, including many Indians.
The incident also comes shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded visits to Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, aimed at strengthening India’s engagement with key Gulf partners. He is currently scheduled to visit the United States, where regional security and maritime stability are expected to feature prominently in discussions.
Earlier this month, India had also sent an official delegation to attend the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reflecting New Delhi’s continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran despite ongoing regional tensions.
As search operations continue for the missing Indian seafarer, India remains focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens while urging all parties to avoid further escalation.
