India Condemns MT El Gaia Attack Off Oman, 13 Indian Seafarers Rescued

India on Sunday condemned the attack on Panama-flagged oil tanker MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman that left one Indian seafarer missing, saying the targeting of commercial shipping, civilians and civilian infrastructure in the region was “unacceptable”.

Thirteen of the 14 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were rescued following the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The incident came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the creation of a “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network” at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi to protect mariners facing heightened risks from regional conflicts.

Ten Indian seafarers are among 16 Indians killed so far in the West Asia conflict, while another five Indian seafarers have died in strikes targeting merchant vessels in the Black Sea.

13 Indian Seafarers Rescued

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 14 Indian crew onboard, 13 Indians have been rescued so far,” the MEA said in a statement.

“Search and rescue operations for the missing Indian national are continuing. Our embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” it added.

India also thanked the Omani authorities for their support in rescuing the Indian seafarers.

India Calls for De-escalation

The MEA reiterated its call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable,” the ministry said.

India also called for the earliest restoration of free and safe navigation and the flow of commerce through international waterways in the region.

India Among World’s Largest Sources of Seafarers

Indian seafarers account for more than 12% of the global merchant shipping workforce, making India the second-largest source of merchant seafarers after the Philippines.

India contributes nearly 312,000 seafarers to the global workforce of around 2.57 million, underlining the country’s significant role in international commercial shipping.