‘Deeply worrisome’: India slams attack on GFS Galaxy as US-Iran conflict escalates

India on Sunday condemned the attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, in which one Indian crew member remains missing, while renewing its call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict in West Asia.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 11 Indian nationals were on board the vessel when it came under attack. Ten have been rescued, while one Indian is still unaccounted for.

“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 MEA said in a statement.

The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with Omani authorities on search and rescue efforts, with New Delhi expressing gratitude for Muscat’s support.

India calls for safe navigation

The MEA described the repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome” and reiterated India’s demand for an immediate reduction in hostilities.

India also called for the restoration of free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law, stressing that civilian shipping and infrastructure must not be targeted.

US-Iran conflict intensifies

The attack came amid a sharp escalation in the US-Iran confrontation.

According to US Central Command, President Donald Trump ordered another round of airstrikes on Iranian targets after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attacked the GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The US said the strike caused a fire and severe engine-room damage, leaving the vessel unable to continue its voyage.

Iran’s IRGC, meanwhile, claimed it stopped the vessel because it had allegedly switched off its tracking systems and announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice.”

The latest US strikes reportedly targeted multiple Iranian coastal locations, while Iran responded with missile attacks on US military facilities across the Gulf region, including bases in Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar. Gulf states also reported intercepting missiles and drones as regional tensions continued to rise.

India’s growing concerns

India has repeatedly voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia, warning that continued attacks on commercial shipping threaten global trade and energy supplies.

With a significant share of India’s oil, gas and fertiliser imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, New Delhi has consistently urged all sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent a wider regional conflict.