One Indian seafarer is missing and 10 others have been rescued after a Cyprus-flagged merchant ship came under attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman. The incident has once again placed Indian citizens at risk as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. India strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel and urged all sides to reduce tensions in the region.

The attack took place as military tensions between Iran and the United States intensified over the past 24 hours. According to reports, Iranian forces targeted the merchant vessel while it was travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. Soon after the attack, the United States launched strikes on Iran, further escalating the conflict.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 11 Indian nationals were on board the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy at the time of the attack. The ministry said that rescue teams safely evacuated 10 Indian crew members, while one Indian national remains missing.

In an official statement, the MEA 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 one Indian National is reportedly missing.”

The ministry said that the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation. It is also working with Omani authorities to support the ongoing search and rescue operation for the missing crew member. The MEA thanked the Omani government for its assistance during the rescue efforts.

The ministry also expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on commercial ships in the region. It said, “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 further 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.”

This latest incident has added to the growing impact of the conflict in West Asia on Indian citizens. Since the conflict began on February 28, 11 Indians have lost their lives. The attack on the merchant ship has once again highlighted the risks faced by Indian nationals working in the region.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) also released details about the incident early on Sunday. It said the Cyprus-flagged container ship suffered heavy damage after the attack. The vessel caught fire and sustained major damage to its engine room, making it unable to continue its journey.

CENTCOM said, “At 7:15 pm ET today [4.45 am IST], US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage.”

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said the ship was sailing along a route close to the Omani coastline. Commercial vessels have used this route to enter and leave the Persian Gulf while staying outside Iranian territorial waters.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard gave its version of the incident. It said several vessels ignored its warnings and failed to change their course. The force stated that one of the ships stopped after a warning shot. It said multiple vessels “disregarded our warnings and instructions to correct their course and proceed along the approved route.” It further added that one of them “was struck by a warning shot and brought to a stop.”

India has avoided naming Iran directly in its official statements. However, it has consistently expressed concern over attacks on commercial shipping in the region. On July 8, India had said it was “deeply concerned” over the recent attacks and the “escalation of tensions” in West Asia, stating that such developments threaten regional peace and security.

The latest escalation has come shortly after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar completed visits to Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain as part of his West Asia tour. He is now scheduled to visit the United States.

Earlier this month, India also sent an official delegation to attend the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The recent attack has placed New Delhi in a sensitive diplomatic position as it continues to call for restraint while working to protect Indian citizens in the conflict-hit region.