The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday condemned the attack on Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman on May 13, calling the act “unacceptable”. However, the ministry did not mention which country attacked the vessel.
“We deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the MEA said in a statement.
Reports identified the vessel as Haji Ali, a cargo ship registered at Salaya Port in Gujarat's Devbhoomi Dwarka district. The Sharjah-bound vessel was coming from Somalia when it sank, according to reports. The attack, apparently by a dron, occurred around 3.30 am near Limah.
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The ministry revealed that all Indian crew aboard the vessel are safe after the Omani authorities rescued them.
India also warned that attacks on commercial vessels and innocent civilian crew must be avoided. “Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” the spokesperson added.
This comes as Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations to condemn the "illegal aggression" of the US and Israel against Iran. India chairs the BRICS 2026 summit.
Meanwhile, India flagged grave concerns over how Middle East conflict impacts the maritime stability and energy supplies in the Strait of Hormuz.
During the summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged BRICS members to come up with "practical ways" to tackle "unilateral coercive" sanctions.
"Such measures disproportionately affect developing countries. These unjustifiable measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy," he said.
Without naming any nations, Jaishankar asserted that the crisis in the Middle East can be resolved only through "dialogue and diplomacy".
Jaishankar called for ensuring unimpeded maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea. He said India is ready to de-escalate the tensions in the Middle East and back efforts to restore stability.
While pointing out that "peace cannot be piecemeal", he asserted that "it is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure."