MEA says 10 Indians rescued, one missing after vessel attacked off Oman

The Strait has become a key sticking point in negotiations between Iran and the United States to permanently end the war that began on February 28. Representative file image. | Photo Credit: Reuters

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday, July 12, 2026, that 10 of the 11 Indians on the commercial ship that was attacked off the coast of Oman were rescued, while one is still missing.

MEA, in a statement condemning the attack on merchant ship GFS Galaxy, said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is proactively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. “We thank the Omani authorities for their support,” he said.

West Asia war updates July 12, 2026

The MEA described the “ongoing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region” as “extremely concerning”.

In the statement, “We reiterate our call for the immediate reduction of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing diplomatic solution negotiations so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial maritime and civilian infrastructure in the region should be stopped, and free and unimpeded navigation and trade in international waterways in the region should be re-established as soon as possible, in accordance with international law.”

Following an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 12, 2026, the United States set the container ship on fire and forced its crew to abandon ship.

Iran apparently responded with attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The Strait has become a key sticking point in negotiations between Iran and the United States to permanently end the war that began on February 28.

The latest violence came after the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Oman met to discuss the strait on Saturday, July 11, 2026, following days of Iranian attacks on ships and US retaliation that dealt a blow to the interim agreement to end the war.