India has reiterated its call for free and safe navigation in international waters and the uninterrupted movement of commercial vessels through the region’s waterways following an attack on the Panama-flagged vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman.
The incident involved 14 Indian nationals who were on board the commercial vessel. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 13 of them have been rescued, while one Indian seafarer remains missing.
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Responding to a question from ANI during the Ministry’s biweekly press briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the developments.
“Of these, 13 have been rescued, and we deeply thank the Omani authorities for their efforts in rescuing our nationals. One Indian national, a seafarer who was on board the vessel, remains missing,” Jaiswal said.
He added that search and rescue operations were continuing with the assistance of the Omani authorities. The Indian Embassy is also maintaining close contact with the relevant authorities regarding the ongoing efforts to locate the missing seafarer.
Expressing concern over attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian interests in the region, Jaiswal stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of seafarers and maintaining uninterrupted maritime commerce.
India’s renewed call comes amid concerns over maritime security and the safety of commercial vessels operating in international waters.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
