India Condemns Attack on Vessel Off Oman; 13 Indians Rescued, Search Underway for One Missing

September 13, 2026

New Delhi: India on Sunday strongly condemned an attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia.

The vessel, identified in reports as MT El Gaia, had 14 Indian crew members on board. Of them, 13 have been rescued, while a search-and-rescue operation remains underway for the one Indian national who is still missing.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with local authorities while coordinating efforts related to the rescue operation.

India also thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance in rescuing the Indian nationals.

India Calls for Immediate De-escalation

The MEA reiterated India’s call for an immediate reduction in tensions in West Asia and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region.

The government said the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure was unacceptable.

India also called for the restoration of free and safe navigation and the uninterrupted flow of commerce through international waterways in the region.

Vessel Details and Ongoing Search

Shipping-tracking data identifies MT El Gaia as an oil-products tanker flying the Panamanian flag, with a length of about 180 metres. Vessel-tracking records show it had recently called at Sohar, Oman, before departing the port.

The immediate circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of those responsible have not been clearly established in the information currently available.

The incident comes amid heightened maritime-security concerns across the wider West Asia region, where attacks and disruptions involving commercial shipping have raised concerns over the safety of seafarers and international trade routes.