In an official statement issued on Sunday, the MEA described the incident as deeply concerning and reiterated India's position that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. The ministry said the safety of seafarers and the security of international maritime routes remain a matter of serious importance.

According to the statement, the vessel was carrying 11 Indian citizens at the time of the attack. Rescue efforts have so far located and saved 10 crew members, while search operations are continuing for the remaining Indian national.

“Of the 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian citizen has been reported missing,” the ministry said.

The attack has once again highlighted growing security concerns in the region, where commercial shipping routes have faced repeated threats in recent months. The Arabian Sea and surrounding maritime corridors are among the world's busiest trade routes, carrying a significant portion of global energy supplies and commercial cargo.

Expressing concern over the recurring incidents, the MEA said continued attacks on commercial vessels are detrimental to regional peace and stability. The ministry emphasized that India supports dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the preferred path toward reducing tensions and resolving disputes.

The statement noted that New Delhi remains committed to efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

“India remains committed to the position that dialogue and diplomacy are the best means to address tensions. Ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations should be pursued in a constructive and peaceful manner to restore stability in the region,” the ministry said.

India also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure and international shipping operations. The MEA stressed that freedom of navigation and uninterrupted maritime trade must be safeguarded in accordance with international law.

The ministry added that attacks targeting commercial ships and civilian assets undermine global trade networks and pose risks not only to regional countries but also to the wider international community.

As search and rescue operations continue, the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local authorities. The embassy is maintaining regular contact with Omani officials involved in the operation and is extending all possible assistance to the affected crew members and their families.

The MEA acknowledged the support extended by Oman in the rescue mission and thanked the country's authorities for their prompt response.

“We appreciate the assistance provided by the Omani authorities. Our Embassy in Oman remains in close coordination with them and is monitoring the ongoing search and rescue efforts,” the ministry said.

The incident is likely to renew discussions on maritime security in the region, particularly as global concerns grow over the safety of commercial shipping lanes. With one Indian sailor still unaccounted for, attention remains focused on the ongoing rescue operation and efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Further updates are awaited as search teams continue their efforts in the waters off the Omani coast.

The United States has intercepted an Iran-linked merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, marking a fresh escalation in its maritime pressure campaign against Tehran. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel, identified as M/V Sevan, was stopped by a US Navy helicopter launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney and ordered to reverse course towards Iran under military escort.

The operation comes amid rising tensions in West Asia and expanding US enforcement in waters linked to Iranian trade routes. American officials said the vessel complied without resistance and was redirected under close naval supervision.

Shadow fleet targeted

US authorities have described M/V Sevan as part of Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” a network of vessels allegedly used to move Iranian oil, gas and related energy cargo despite sanctions. CENTCOM said Sevan was among 19 vessels recently sanctioned by the US Treasury for transporting Iranian petroleum-linked products to overseas markets.

According to officials, these vessels have played a key role in moving billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy exports, including propane and butane, through indirect maritime routes.

Blockade widens further

Washington said the interception was part of a broader naval enforcement effort launched earlier this month to restrict vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. CENTCOM said 37 vessels have been redirected since the blockade began, underscoring the scale of US maritime checks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials have maintained that the operation is aimed at sanctioned shipping and not at commercial navigation more broadly. They said more than 30 non-Iranian vessels were allowed to proceed after verification.

Hormuz shipping under strain

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive energy chokepoints, handling a major share of global crude flows. The latest US action has added to shipping uncertainty in the corridor, with vessel operators increasingly reassessing routes amid fears of detention, inspection or forced diversion.

As per reports, traffic through Hormuz has slowed sharply since the latest round of enforcement began, with several operators choosing to alter schedules or avoid risk exposure in the area. The development is being closely watched across global energy and insurance markets as part of the Latest News Today cycle and broader National and International News coverage.

Washington’s official line

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was widening its enforcement posture beyond the immediate Hormuz zone and into adjacent maritime corridors, including the Gulf of Oman. He said the US remained open to diplomacy, but would continue applying military pressure to enforce sanctions and restrict Iran’s maritime energy trade.

CENTCOM has also reiterated that US naval forces would not obstruct freedom of navigation for vessels transiting to and from non-Iranian ports, according to official guidance issued earlier this month.

Pressure on energy trade

The US move is expected to deepen pressure on Iran’s energy exports, already under tighter scrutiny from Washington and allied maritime monitors. Tanker operators, commodity traders and insurers are likely to face increased compliance checks as the US expands surveillance over suspected sanction-linked shipping.

What comes next

The US is now preparing to deploy additional naval assets to the region, including another aircraft carrier, signalling that maritime enforcement could intensify further in the coming days. With diplomacy still uncertain and military pressure rising, the Hormuz corridor is likely to remain under close watch in the coming news cycle.