New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that killed an Indian sailor, calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
Thirteen other Indian nationals aboard the vessel were rescued successfully after the incident. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman was coordinating with local authorities to arrange the early repatriation of the rescued crew members and the mortal remains of the sailor who died.
The vessel, identified as MSV Al Jusufi, was struck by an “unidentified aerial object” while sailing near the Omani coast on Monday, according to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
The deceased crew member was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who was from Gujarat. Sonowal said Ajij died after sustaining injuries in the incident.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region, where escalating hostilities have increasingly threatened commercial shipping routes.
MEA calls for immediate de-escalation
In its statement, the MEA described the continuing attacks on commercial vessels in the region as deeply concerning. It called on the parties involved to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic resolution to restore peace and stability.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. 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 ministry said.
The government also stressed the importance of protecting commercial shipping and ensuring that civilian vessels are not caught in the ongoing conflict.
The embassy in Oman is working with local authorities to facilitate the return of the 13 rescued Indian sailors. Arrangements are also being coordinated for the repatriation of Ajij’s mortal remains.
The MEA’s response reflects India’s concern over the growing risks faced by its citizens working on merchant vessels operating through strategically important maritime corridors.
What happened to the Indian-flagged vessel?
According to Sonowal, MSV Al Jusufi was hit by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the Omani coast on Monday.
The incident killed one crew member and left the remaining 13 Indian nationals in need of rescue. The Omani authorities successfully rescued all 13 survivors.
Sonowal said the Shipping Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Oman were working with local authorities to provide assistance to the rescued crew and coordinate the necessary arrangements.
The cause of the attack and the identity of those responsible were not established in the information released about the incident. The description of the object as an “unidentified aerial object” also means that no specific weapon or perpetrator can be identified from the available details.
The government has condemned the incident without publicly attributing responsibility for it.
Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for international energy shipments and commercial maritime traffic.
The ongoing US-Iran conflict has increased security concerns for vessels operating in and around the waterway. Missile and drone attacks, along with threats to shipping, have exposed merchant crews to significant risks.
Indian sailors working on commercial vessels have also been affected by the wider conflict. Although attacks on Indian-flagged cargo ships have been relatively rare, Indian nationals serving on vessels in the region have faced casualties amid the hostilities.
The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important because it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any disruption to shipping through the corridor can have consequences for international trade, energy supplies and maritime security.
The latest incident off Oman has added to concerns about the safety of commercial vessels even outside the immediate waters of the Strait.
Government figures highlight casualties among Indian seafarers
Government figures released last week indicated that at least 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, had been killed since the outbreak of the armed conflict, according to the source report.
The conflict has widened with the involvement of Yemen-based Houthi forces, adding to the security challenges across important maritime routes in the region.
Indian seafarers are employed on vessels carrying cargo and energy supplies across international waters. As tensions have increased, their exposure to attacks and disruptions has become a significant concern for the government.
The deaths reported since the outbreak of hostilities have also highlighted the risks faced by Indian citizens working in the global shipping industry.
The government has taken steps to limit the exposure of Indian workers to dangerous maritime routes. According to the report, India earlier this year prohibited the deployment of its citizens on ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The measure underlines the seriousness of the security situation and the challenges involved in protecting Indian nationals working at sea.
India urges diplomatic solution and protection of shipping
India’s response to the latest attack has focused on the need to reduce hostilities and restore safe passage for commercial vessels.
The MEA’s call for the conclusion of ongoing negotiations reflects New Delhi’s preference for a diplomatic resolution rather than further escalation. India has also repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining the safety of international maritime routes.
For the shipping industry, attacks on commercial vessels can endanger crew members, disrupt cargo movements and increase uncertainty for operators. For Indian families, incidents involving Indian sailors have a direct human cost.
The death of Gandhar Nahim Ajij and the rescue of the 13 other crew members have once again brought the safety of Indian seafarers into focus.
As the conflict continues to threaten shipping corridors in the Gulf, India is seeking de-escalation, diplomatic engagement and stronger protection for commercial vessels. The immediate priority remains bringing the rescued sailors home and repatriating the mortal remains of the crew member who lost his life.