India has strongly condemned the attack on the commercial cargo vessel GFS Galaxy near the coast of Oman, confirming that 10 of the 11 Indian nationals aboard have been rescued safely, while one Indian crew member remains missing.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is working in coordination with Omani authorities as search and rescue operations continue for the missing crew member.

India Monitoring Rescue Efforts

The MEA said the Indian mission in Muscat remains in constant contact with local authorities and is actively assisting in the ongoing rescue operation.

"The Embassy of India in Oman is closely monitoring the developments and is coordinating with the Omani authorities engaged in the search and rescue efforts," the ministry said.

The government also expressed its gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and its agencies for their prompt response and assistance in rescuing the Indian nationals.

India Condemns Attacks on Commercial Shipping

Expressing concern over the growing security risks in the region, the MEA condemned the repeated attacks on commercial shipping routes.

The ministry said such incidents pose a serious threat to international maritime trade and regional stability. It reiterated India's call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged all parties to pursue diplomatic dialogue to restore peace and stability in the region.

The government emphasized that ensuring the safety and freedom of international shipping remains critical for global trade and energy security.

Vessel Targeted Near Strait of Hormuz

According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the Cyprus-flagged container vessel GFS Galaxy came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest and most strategically important maritime corridors.

CENTCOM alleged that the attack was carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The US military said the assault resulted in significant damage to the vessel's engine room, triggering a fire that left the ship unable to continue its voyage.

Authorities also confirmed that one civilian crew member remains unaccounted for following the attack.

Search Operation Continues

Search and rescue operations remain underway to locate the missing Indian national. Omani authorities, supported by the Indian Embassy, continue to coordinate efforts in the area.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the missing crew member, while further details regarding the circumstances of the attack are awaited.

Regional Security Concerns Intensify

The latest incident comes amid continuing tensions in the Gulf region, where attacks on commercial vessels have raised concerns over the safety of international shipping lanes.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world's oil and commercial cargo traffic, making security in the region a matter of global economic importance.

India, which has substantial trade and energy interests in the Gulf and thousands of nationals working aboard international merchant vessels, has consistently advocated peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

With one crew member still missing, Indian authorities continue to work with Omani officials while closely monitoring developments surrounding the attack on the GFS Galaxy.

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.