Indian national killed in attack on commercial vessel near Oman
The Ministry of External Affairs called for an end to targeting civilian infrastructure after an attack on the MSV Al Jusufi.
An Indian national died and 13 others were rescued after a commercial vessel came under attack near Limah, Oman, on Monday evening, according to reports by The Times of India and Moneycontrol.
The vessel, identified as MSV Al Jusufi, was hit by an unidentified aerial object. The deceased seafarer has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat.
The Omani Coast Guard evacuated and rescued the 13 surviving crew members. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Indian Embassy in Oman is overseeing the matter and working with local officials to bring the survivors and the deceased back to India.
The MEA expressed concern regarding frequent attacks on commercial shipping in the region. The ministry called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged parties to reach a diplomatic solution to restore stability.
In a statement, the MEA said that the targeting of civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping must stop. The ministry added that free navigation through international waterways must be restored according to international law.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar previously noted during a G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting that attacks on civilian shipping threaten the cost and availability of essential commodities like food, fuel, and fertilisers.