India has condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, saying 10 Indian nationals on board had been rescued while one crew member remained missing, as authorities continued search and rescue operations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome” and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a diplomatic resolution to restore peace and stability.
According to the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation. The ministry also thanked the Omani government for its support.
In a statement, the MEA 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 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 added.
The Indian Embassy in Oman also said in a post on X that it was maintaining close contact with the Omani authorities, the vessel’s management and other concerned stakeholders, while extending all possible assistance to those affected.
Earlier on Sunday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, the attack left one civilian crew member missing and caused significant damage to the vessel, preventing it from continuing its voyage.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said: “At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship 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 engineroom damage.”
It added: “Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels but has again failed. In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait. The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief.”
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, making the waterway critical to international trade and global energy security.
