’13 Indians rescued’: Govt condemns attack on vessel off Oman coast, calls for de-escalation in West Asia

Calling for an immediate de-escalation in West Asia, India on Sunday condemned the attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman and said the ship had 14 Indians onboard, of which 13 have been rescued so far, while adding that a search operation remains underway for the missing national.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation, and remains in touch with local authorities and proactively coordinating with them for the rescue operation.

It also thanked the Omani authorities for assisting the rescued Indian nationals.

“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region,” the MEA said. 

“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. We also urge that free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest,” it added.

More to follow…