India condemns attack on commercial ship off Oman coast, one Indian crew member missing
India on Sunday condemned an attack on commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. The ship had 14 Indian crew members aboard, of whom 13 have been rescued. Search and rescue operations for the missing Indian national are ongoing, with India's embassy in Oman coordinating closely with Omani authorities.
India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that targeting commercial shipping, sailors, civilians and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. The ministry reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and restore peace, and urged the immediate restoration of free and safe navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region.
The statement comes as India raised the issue of sailor safety at the BRICS summit, where consensus was reached on the matter. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that global trade can only advance when sea routes are secure, supply routes remain open, and sailors are protected.
