The Ministry of External Affairs of India has issued a strong condemnation regarding a missile attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel near the coast of Oman, labeling the act as “unacceptable.” This incident has intensified concerns amidst escalating tensions in the region.
In an official statement released Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s disapproval of the ongoing assaults on commercial shipping and civilian mariners. “The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman is unacceptable, and we deplore the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian crews,” the statement remarked.
The ministry confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the attacked vessel are safe, offering thanks to Omani authorities for their prompt rescue operations following the missile strike.
India emphasized the necessity of protecting international maritime trade routes and upholding freedom of navigation. The MEA stated, “Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise obstructing freedom of navigation and commerce, must be avoided.”
While the statement condemned the incident, it refrained from naming the group or country behind the attack. This incident is taking place in a context marked by heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, amidst ongoing instability linked to the confrontational dynamics involving Iran and Western nations.
Notably, this development coincides with the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to India, where he participated in a BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. During his visit, Araghchi discussed emerging global power structures and Iran’s strategic perspective within the BRICS framework, further highlighting the complexities and intersections of international relations at play in the region.
