The UAE condemned the attack on an Indian flagged vessel near Oman and reaffirmed support for maritime security….reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned what it described as a “terrorist attack” on an Indian flagged vessel off the coast of Oman, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Abu Dhabi for a key bilateral visit.
In a statement issued on Friday through its official social media channels, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a serious threat to international maritime security and freedom of navigation.
The Ministry said the assault on the Indian vessel near Omani waters marked a “dangerous escalation” aimed at destabilising critical international shipping routes.
Reaffirming its solidarity with India, the UAE expressed full support for measures to safeguard Indian ships and maritime interests in the region.
The statement said the attack was a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which protects freedom of navigation and rejects attacks on commercial vessels and disruptions to international maritime routes.
Without naming any group or country, the UAE also warned against using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of “economic coercion or blackmail”, describing such actions as piracy and a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security.
Earlier in the day, India’s Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the attack, calling the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian sailors unacceptable.
In an official statement, the MEA said all Indian crew members on board the vessel were safe and thanked Omani authorities for rescuing them.
“India deplores the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the ministry said.
The MEA added that attacks on commercial vessels and any actions that obstruct freedom of navigation and international commerce must be avoided.
While Indian authorities have not yet publicly identified the vessel or disclosed further operational details, official sources said New Delhi is closely monitoring developments.
The incident comes just hours before PM Modi’s arrival in the UAE for talks expected to focus on trade, investment, energy security and strategic cooperation.
Diplomatic sources said the attack is likely to feature prominently in discussions between India and the UAE, with both sides expected to explore ways to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Gulf region and the Arabian Sea.
