New Delhi: India on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that was carrying Indian crew members, even as three
Indian nationals remain missing following the incident. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with regional authorities to trace the missing crew members. The government described the targeting of civilian shipping and seafarers as unacceptable amid rising tensions in the Gulf region. The vessel, identified as the commercial ship Settebello, came under attack in waters off Oman earlier this week. While rescue operations have been launched, three Indian crew members are yet to be accounted for, prompting concern in New Delhi.
Embassy of India in Oman (@Indemb_Muscat) posts, "We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman. We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon." pic.twitter.com/nKPHNpiAm7
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 10, 2026
The incident follows a series of attacks on commercial shipping in and around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.
Crew members aboard another vessel struck in the region had sent desperate SOS messages, reporting a fire onboard and severe damage to the ship's hull.
The MEA said Indian missions in the region are in touch with local authorities and are extending all possible assistance. New Delhi has repeatedly called for the protection of commercial shipping routes and the safety of civilian crew members, stressing that freedom of navigation must not be compromised.
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of escalating military tensions involving Iran, the United States and regional actors. Shipping lanes in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz have witnessed multiple attacks in recent months, raising concerns over the safety of merchant vessels and international trade routes.
Authorities have not yet released details on the identities of the three missing Indians. Search and rescue efforts remain underway, with Indian officials maintaining contact with Omani authorities and maritime agencies in the region.
