New Delhi: India on Sunday condemned an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that left one of its 11 Indian crew members missing.
As West Asia witnessed fresh hostilities between Iran and the US, India reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation of tension and said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end.
The US Central Command said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “blatantly attacked” container ship GFS Galaxy when it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
“A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage,” it said.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said GFS Galaxy was targeted early on Sunday, which triggered a fire on board the vessel.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 10 Indian crew members of the vessel have been rescued.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while 1 Indian National is reportedly missing,” it said in a statement.
The MEA said the Indian embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation. “We thank the Omani authorities for their support.”
It said the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome”.
“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA said.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it said.
The US Central Command said Washington is imposing a “heavy cost” on Iran by continuing to degrade its ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The US has been carrying out strikes inside Iran in the last few days after the IRGC attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to the US strikes, Iran targeted Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The IRGC Navy said the Strait of Hormuz is “closed until further notice and will remain closed until US intervention in the region comes to an end. No vessel will be permitted to transit the strait”.
The fresh escalation in tensions has raised questions over the fragile peace deal finalised between the US and Iran in June.
Last week, India voiced deep concern over renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that handles roughly a fifth of global oil and natural gas transit.
