India Condemns Attack on Merchant Vessel Off Oman Coast

India has condemned the recent attack on the GFS Galaxy, a merchant vessel with 11 Indian nationals aboard, off the coast of Oman. While ten crew members have been rescued, one remains missing. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively coordinating with Omani authorities for ongoing rescue operations. This incident highlights the escalating tensions in the region, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard claiming responsibility for the attack. The situation has further complicated diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about maritime security and the safety of civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2026, 16:08 IST

India's Response to Maritime Attack

File image of Indian vessel crossing Strait of Hormuz. Pictures used for representational purpose only. (Photo: Ranju Ahmed/X)

New Delhi, Jul 12: On Sunday, India expressed strong condemnation regarding the assault on a merchant ship carrying 11 Indian crew members near the coast of Oman, emphasizing the urgent need to halt attacks on civilian maritime operations in the area.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that ten of the Indian nationals have been rescued, while one remains unaccounted for.

In an official statement, the MEA condemned the assault on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy, stating, "Of the 11 Indian nationals aboard, 10 have been saved, while one is still missing."

The MEA confirmed that the Indian embassy in Oman is actively overseeing the situation and collaborating with Omani officials in the ongoing rescue efforts. They expressed gratitude towards the Omani authorities for their assistance.

They also highlighted that the persistent attacks on commercial shipping in the region are a significant concern.

"We reiterate our demand for an immediate reduction of tensions and the swift conclusion of ongoing diplomatic negotiations to restore peace and stability in the region," the MEA stated.

Furthermore, they insisted that the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must cease, advocating for the restoration of free navigation and trade in accordance with international law.

In response, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claimed that several vessels ignored their warnings and were subsequently halted by warning shots.

Iran also declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed indefinitely and threatened to target additional enemy bases in the region if further assaults occurred.

This escalation followed U.S. military strikes on Iran earlier that day, which were a response to an Iranian attack that set a commercial ship ablaze, forcing its crew to evacuate.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that approximately 140 targets were struck, marking a significant increase compared to previous operations.

This latest surge in hostilities has complicated ongoing efforts to revive negotiations between Iran and the United States aimed at achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict that reignited on February 28, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming a focal point of tension.

With inputs from various sources