India condemns attack on cargo vessel in Strait of Hormuz, one Indian sailor missing

India today (12 July) condemned the attack on a cargo ship carrying 11 Indian crew members off the coast of Oman while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East as "deeply worrisome."

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board had been rescued, while one person remains missing.

Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

"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 one Indian national is reportedly missing," Jaiswal said.

"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region," the statement said.

"The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the region's international waterways, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," he added.

The incident came hours after the United States launched a third round of strikes against Iran, accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the US Central Command (Centom), the vessel suffered significant damage to its engine room in the attack, an onboard fire broke out, and one civilian crew member remains missing.