India has expressed deep concern over the attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region. Speaking at the United Nations, P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said that several Indian
nationals have lost their lives in these attacks, while some remain missing.
India reiterated its strong opposition to attacks on commercial ships and maritime trade routes. It emphasised that nearly 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region, making their safety and well-being a top priority.
India also said that its energy security and trade are closely linked to the stability of the region. Urging all sides to exercise restraint, it called on the parties to avoid further escalation and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
It further appealed to all parties not to target civilians, critical infrastructure, or commercial vessels, and called for an immediate end to the conflict.
The remarks were made by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, a day after a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, which had 24 Indian crew onboard, was attacked amid the ongoing US-Iran war.
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Commercial Vessel With Indian Crew Onboard Attacked
A commercial vessel, with 24 Indian crew onboard, was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday.
The missile had torn through the engine room of the oil tanker Settebello, which had triggered a fire onboard. The tanker was near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Palau-flagged commercial ship had 28 crew aboard, out of which 24 were Indian nationals. After the incident, 21 Indians were rescued, and 3 Indians were reportedly missing.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” said the foreign ministry in the statement.
Also Read: 3 Indians Missing, 21 Rescued After Attack On Commercial Vessel Settebello Near Oman: MEA
The ministry said that the attacks on shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome” and further said that they were a direct result of the US-Iran war.
“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,” the ministry said.
Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, summoned Jason Meeks, the United States’ chargé d’affaires, to lodge a protest over the attack on the ship.
In a statement, the ministry said that the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with the local authorities as the search and rescue operation continues.
