India on Thursday condemned the attack that led to the sinking of an Indian-owned ship in Omani waters as “unacceptable” and said targeting commercial ships and civilian crew should be avoided amid the conflict in West Asia involving the United States and Iran.
A statement by Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal did not provide details of the attack on the Haji Ali, a cargo ship from Gujarat, or specify who was behind the attack. UK-based marine risk management group Vanguard said the ship was affected by an explosion believed to have been caused by a drone or missile attack.
“The attack on a ship flying the Indian flag off the coast of Oman [on Wednesday] The statement added: “This is unacceptable and we regret the continued targeting of commercial ships and civilian sailors.”
It added: “India reiterates that targeting commercial vessels, endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and trade should be avoided.”
Jaiswal said that all the Indian crew members on board the ship were safe and thanked the Omani authorities for rescuing them.
The ship, which was carrying livestock and sailing from Somalia to the United Arab Emirates, was attacked early Wednesday. The attack led to a fire that led to the ship sinking. All 14 crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard and transported to Duba Port.
At least two other ships flying the Indian flag have been attacked since the war between the United States and Iran began on February 28. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Iranian envoy to India last month to lodge a formal protest over these incidents.
The latest attack has heightened concerns about the security of commercial ships amid continuing tensions in the region despite a ceasefire reached by Iran and the United States last month.
