India condemned an attack on the Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman on Sunday [1].

The incident highlights the precarious security situation for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint. The targeting of non-combatant vessels increases risks for international crews and threatens the stability of regional trade routes.

Of the 11 Indian seafarers on board, 10 have been rescued [2], while one crew member remains missing [3]. Search operations are continuing to locate the missing sailor.

An MEA spokesperson said, "India strongly condemns the attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy" [4]. The Ministry of External Affairs said that the continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region is deeply worrisome and calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions [5].

The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with local authorities to manage the crisis. The embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation [6].

This attack is part of a broader pattern of volatility in the region. The GFS Galaxy was operating in the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions between regional powers and international forces often manifest as threats to commercial traffic. Indian officials have urged for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further casualties among merchant sailors.

“India strongly condemns the attack on the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy.”

The attack on the GFS Galaxy underscores the persistent vulnerability of commercial maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Because India provides a significant portion of the global seafaring workforce, regional instability in the Middle East directly impacts Indian citizens and necessitates a high level of diplomatic and consular coordination between New Delhi and Gulf nations.