India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned a missile attack on an Indian-flagged commercial cargo ship off the coast of Oman on May 13, 2024 [1].

The incident highlights the precarious security of civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime corridor where regional tensions frequently threaten commercial shipping.

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said the attack on the vessel is unacceptable. He said the ministry deplores the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted [1].

The attack occurred on Wednesday, May 13, 2024 [1]. Omani authorities rescued the crew following the strike, ensuring that all Indian crew members on board the ship were safe [2].

Jaiswal said the event reflects a pattern of targeting civilian shipping in a region of rising maritime tension [1]. The Ministry of External Affairs said it criticized the attempt to target the cargo ship, emphasizing the danger posed to non-combatant vessels in the area [3].

India has not named a specific perpetrator in the official statement, but the MEA focused on the illegality of targeting commercial vessels. The rescue operation by Oman was acknowledged by the Indian government as a vital part of the crew's survival [2].

“The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable”

This attack underscores the volatility of the Strait of Hormuz, where commercial vessels are increasingly caught in the crossfire of regional geopolitical conflicts. By labeling the strike 'unacceptable,' India is signaling a need for heightened maritime security and international adherence to the protection of civilian shipping lanes to prevent economic disruption.