India has strongly condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz after the ship sank off the coast of Oman, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors. All 14 Indian crew members onboard were rescued safely by Omani authorities, but the incident has intensified fears over growing instability in the Gulf amid the continuing Iran-US tensions.
The vessel, a mechanised sailing ship flying the Indian flag, was travelling from Somalia to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates when it reportedly came under attack near Oman’s coastline on Wednesday. The ship later sank in waters close to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes every day.
Speaking during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attack as “unacceptable” and issued a sharp warning against repeated targeting of commercial vessels and civilian sailors in the region.
“The continued attacks on commercial shipping and civilian seafarers are deeply unfortunate and cannot be justified,” Jaiswal said. He confirmed that all Indian nationals onboard had been rescued and thanked the Omani authorities for carrying out the operation swiftly.
India also reiterated its long-standing position on ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters. The Ministry stressed that attacks on merchant vessels, threats to innocent crew members and disruptions to maritime trade routes must stop immediately.
According to officials, the sunken vessel measured around 57 metres in length and 14 metres in width. The rescued crew members are currently receiving medical treatment in Oman and are expected to be brought back to India soon. New Delhi remains in close contact with Omani authorities regarding their safe return.
The incident comes at a time when tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high due to the prolonged confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Shipping movement through the region has faced repeated threats in recent months, affecting global energy supply chains and increasing concerns for countries dependent on Gulf oil and gas exports, including India.
Despite the security risks, two Indian-bound LPG carriers recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz without disruption. Officials said the LPG tanker Saimi passed through the route on Wednesday carrying nearly 20,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and is expected to reach Gujarat on May 16. Another vessel, NV Sunshine, carrying over 46,000 tonnes of LPG, crossed the strait on Thursday and is scheduled to arrive at New Mangalore Port on May 18.
Both cargoes belong to Indian Oil Corporation. Government officials indicated that 13 Indian vessels have successfully navigated the Hormuz route over the last two months despite regional instability.
The attack has also drawn attention because it coincided with the India visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived for a three-day trip to attend the BRICS summit. While there is no official confirmation regarding who carried out the attack, the timing has sparked speculation in diplomatic and strategic circles.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most geopolitically sensitive waterways, and any escalation in the region is closely watched by global energy markets and major economies alike.
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