India on Tuesday strongly condemned an attack on a Panamanian-flagged merchant ship while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the vessel had a 19-member crew, of whom 17 are Indian nationals. He said reports indicate that 12 crew members, including 11 Indians, were injured in the incident.
The injured crew were safely rescued with the assistance of Omani authorities and are receiving medical treatment. India expressed gratitude to Oman for the support provided.
New Delhi said repeated attacks on shipping in the region are a matter of deep concern and reiterated its call for such incidents to stop immediately to help restore peace and stability.
India also urged an end to attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure, and called for the early normalisation of shipping and trade through international waterways.
