India Condemns Attack on Commercial Vessel Off Oman Coast After Projectile Strike Injures 11 Indian Sailors

India has strongly condemned a projectile attack on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that left 12 crew members injured, including 11 Indian nationals. The incident took place as the merchant tanker MT On Peace (IMO 9893204) was transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most vital energy arteries. In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over recurring maritime strikes in the region, demanding an immediate halt to attacks targeting innocent seafarers, commercial merchant shipping, and civilian infrastructure.

Projectile Strike on MT On Peace: Emergency Evacuation in Oman

According to official briefings released by the MEA, the commercial tanker was manned by a 19-member crew, of whom 17 were Indian nationals. While navigating through the Strait of Hormuz off the Musandam coastline, the vessel was struck by an airborne projectile, causing onboard damage and injuring 12 personnel. Following an immediate distress call, Omani maritime search-and-rescue teams mobilized rapidly to assist the vessel. The injured seafarers were safely evacuated ashore and admitted to specialized medical facilities in Khasab, Oman, where they are currently receiving treatment. The Indian government extended formal gratitude to Omani authorities for their swift coordination and life-saving medical assistance.

India’s Urgent Call to Protect International Sea Lanes

Reiterating New Delhi’s firm stance on freedom of navigation and maritime security, the MEA emphasized that escalating kinetic attacks on commercial vessels threaten global economic stability. “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India,” the ministry affirmed. Calling for urgent de-escalation, New Delhi reiterated its demand for an immediate cessation of hostile actions, stating that unhindered navigation and lawful commerce across international waterways must be restored without delay to ensure regional peace.

Growing Vulnerability of Indian Seafarers Across the Persian Gulf

The strike on MT On Peace marks the second major maritime emergency involving Indian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz within a single week. Just days prior, on October 3, Indian diplomatic missions coordinated the rescue of five Indian sailors after the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III was similarly struck by a projectile in the same corridor. Indian nationals constitute roughly 10 to 12 percent of the global merchant marine workforce, making them particularly vulnerable to escalating asymmetric drone and missile skirmishes across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea corridors. As tensions in the region simmer, maritime security bodies continue to urge heightened vigilance, naval escorts, and strict route advisories to protect civilian mariners navigating contested choke points.