It urged all parties involved in the conflict to pursue dialogue and reduce tensions before the situation escalates further.
India has strongly denounced the attack on a commercial cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz after 11 Indian crew members found themselves caught in the unfolding maritime crisis. While 10 sailors have been brought to safety, one Indian national remains unaccounted for, prompting New Delhi to closely monitor the situation.
Issuing a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the assault on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy, describing attacks on civilian shipping as a serious threat to regional stability and international trade.
"The attack on a commercial vessel is unacceptable. Of the 11 Indian nationals aboard, 10 have been rescued, while one crew member is still reported missing," the ministry said.
The government also acknowledged the assistance provided by Omani authorities in carrying out rescue operations and helping evacuate the surviving crew members.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating security environment in West Asia, the MEA said repeated attacks on merchant shipping pose risks not only to seafarers but also to global commerce. It urged all parties involved in the conflict to pursue dialogue and reduce tensions before the situation escalates further.
India reiterated that civilian vessels and maritime infrastructure must not become targets during regional conflicts and stressed the need to restore uninterrupted navigation through international sea routes in accordance with international law.
The incident came as the United States announced another round of military operations against Iran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces carried out strikes on nearly 140 military installations, including missile launch sites, drone infrastructure, naval assets, ammunition depots and surveillance facilities.
CENTCOM said the military action followed what it described as an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel reportedly sustained extensive damage after a fire broke out onboard, affecting its engine room and forcing it to halt its journey.
Indian authorities continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing crew member while keeping a close watch on developments in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.