India condemns attack on ship off Oman after national killed

India on Tuesday condemned an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that killed an Indian national while 13 others were rescued.

The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the attack took place on the commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah in Oman.

Of the 14 Indian nationals on board, 13 were rescued, while one succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack, the ministry said.

Condemning the attack, New Delhi said 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,” the ministry said.

It said the “targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end,” and called for the earliest restoration of “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.”

Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) said it was aware of an Indian government report of an attack on an Indian crewed Dhow whilst sailing outbound through the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Omani Royal Navy have rescued the surviving crew. UKMTO is unaware of the status of the vessel," it said on the US social media company X.

It advised the transiting vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

Regional tensions have remained high since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israeli targets and US military facilities across the region.

The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Iran has linked the full reopening of the strategic waterway to several measures, including an end to hostilities, sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets and the fulfilment of commitments by Washington.

​​​​​​​At least 22 Indian nationals have been killed since the war broke out.