New Delhi condemns attacks on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz as one Indian seafarer found missing

New Delhi: One Indian is missing and 10 others have been rescued after the tensions between Iran and the US worsened, and a Cyprus-flagged ship, with Indian seafarers on board, transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under Iranian fire. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the attack on the merchant vessel off the coast of Oman with these 11 Indian nationals on board, saying that the targeting of civilian shipping and infrastructure in the region must end.

In an official statement released on July 12, the MEA said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while 1 Indian National is reportedly missing.” It added that the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search & rescue operation.

It added that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome”. “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.” It further added that the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.

With the Iran-US conflict raging on since February 28, following the UK-Israeli joint attacks on Iran, a total of 11 Indians have lost their lives.

The US Central Command said on Sunday that a Cyprus-flagged container ship was hit by Iran and suffered “significant engine room damage” and a civilian crew member was missing. It added that at 7:15 pm ET today, which is 4.45 am IST, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage,” it said.

Indian seafarers form one of the largest workforces in the global merchant navy, serving on Indian-flagged ships as well as vessels registered under foreign flags. According to the Indian Navy’s data, about 7% of the world’s merchant mariners are Indian. Therefore, today one may find an Indian on board almost every merchant ship that sails through the seas. 

Since February 2026, the Iran-US conflict has repeatedly turned the Strait of Hormuz into a war zone for merchant shipping: tankers and container ships have been hit by drones, missiles, and mines despite a June ceasefire, traffic has collapsed from 120-140 daily crossings to near-standstill at times, and thousands of seafarers have been left stranded, according to the data presented by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).