India condemns attack on ship off Oman carrying 11 Indians; 10 rescued, 1 missing
IRAN, JULY 12 : India on Sunday condemned the attack on the merchant vessel that was hit by a so-called warning shot fired by Iranian forces near the coast of Oman, saying there were 11 Indian seafarers onboard. Ten of them have been rescued, while one reportedly remains missing, New Delhi said.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while 1 Indian National is reportedly missing,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. It added that the Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities in the search and rescue efforts.
“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. We thank the Omani authorities for their support,” the ministry stated.
‘WARNING SHOT’ AND FRESH STRIKES
The Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy was hit by what Iran described as a warning shot fired shortly before it declared the Strait of Hormuz closed once again. The incident came as tensions between Iran and the US witnessed a new high after days of fragile peace.
Following the strike on GFS Galaxy, Tehran claimed it was transiting along an unapproved route on the conflict-hit waterway, warning that any retaliation over the incident would be met with a “severe response.”
The United States launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran, citing the attack on the container ship. It was the third American wave of attacks on Iranian targets this week.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), approximately 140 Iranian military targets were hit during the latest round of US strikes. The targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations, it said.
During three nights of strikes this week, US forces have struck more than 300 targets, the military added in its statement.
Iran apparently responded with attacks on countries across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz has become the key sticking point in any further negotiations between Tehran and Washington to reach a permanent end to the war that began on February 28 this year.
INDIA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE DE-ESCALATION
In its Sunday statement, New Delhi also reiterated its concern about the attacks on commercial ships in the Middle East.
“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 MEA said.
It added, “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.”
-AFP
