India Condemns Attack on Ship Carrying Its Nationals Amid Iran-US Tensions

India has reported that 11 of its nationals were aboard a commercial vessel attacked in the waters off eastern Oman, as hostilities between Iran and the United States intensified. Ten of the Indian crew members have been rescued, while one remains missing. “Of the 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian national is reported to be missing,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Search and rescue operations are ongoing after the commercial vessel, GFS Galaxy, was attacked off the coast of Oman on Sunday morning. The US Central Command stated the ship was disabled by fire and damage to its engine room, accusing Tehran of carrying out the attack. India’s foreign ministry described the attack on commercial shipping in the region as “deeply concerning” and demanded that free navigation in international waters be upheld in accordance with international law. “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease,” the statement said, adding that “free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in the region, in accordance with international law, must be restored as soon as possible.” The renewed tensions threaten a tentative deal aimed at ending the Middle East war that began on 28 February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the container ship sustained damage to its stern, causing a fire on board. The crew subsequently evacuated the vessel in lifeboats following the attack. The incident occurred as Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at neighbouring Gulf states in retaliation for fresh US strikes.