3 Indian crew members missing after attack on cargo ship off Oman coast
India later summoned United States Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a protest over the incident.
Three Indian crew members of a cargo ship went missing after it was attacked off the coast of Oman yesterday (10 June), prompting India to summon United States Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodge a protest over the incident.
There were 24 Indian crew members onboard the ship, and 21 of them have been rescued, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs Nagaraj Naidu summoned Meeks to protest the attack on the commercial tanker, ANI reported citing sources.
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The MEA said the Indian embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation. It also said the Indian embassy in Muscat was closely coordinating with Omani authorities as rescue efforts continued.
Condemning the attack, the MEA said, "The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region."
It 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."
India also reiterated its call for the 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.
