India calls for de-escalation after Indian sailor dies in Oman attack
The Ministry of External Affairs urged a diplomatic solution in West Asia after an unidentified aerial object struck a commercial vessel.
India called for an immediate reduction in tensions in West Asia on Tuesday after an Indian seafarer died during an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah, Oman. According to the Deccan Chronicle, the Indian-flagged ship MSV AL JUSUFI was struck by an unidentified aerial object on the evening of November 2.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that 14 Indian crew members were on board the vessel. While the Omani Coast Guard rescued 13 people, one seafarer, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, died from his injuries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning the strike and stressing that civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping must not be targeted. The MEA also called for the restoration of free navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The Indian Embassy in Oman is working with local authorities to return the survivors and the mortal remains of the deceased to India. The MEA expressed concern regarding repeated attacks on shipping in the region and requested a diplomatic resolution to restore stability.
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 and fuel for the Global South.