India on Tuesday condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that killed an Indian sailor. New Delhi called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

Thirteen other Indian nationals aboard the distressed vessel were rescued safely.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India's Embassy in Oman was coordinating with local authorities to arrange the early repatriation of the rescued sailors and the mortal remains of the deceased.

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was struck by an "unidentified aerial object" while sailing near the Omani coast on Monday.

The incident killed one crew member, identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, who sustained injuries in the strike, Sonowal said.

In response, the MEA expressed concern over repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region. It urged the concerned parties to conclude ongoing negotiations and find a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability.

"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. 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," it stated.

Although attacks on Indian-flagged cargo vessels remain relatively rare, the ongoing armed conflict in the Gulf region has put Indian mariners at risk. Commercial ships have faced missile and drone attacks as the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the ongoing US-Iran war.

Government figures released last week showed that at least 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died since the conflict began. The hostilities have since expanded with the involvement of Yemen-based Houthis.

Following the casualties, India earlier this year banned the deployment of its citizens on ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz.