10 Indians rescued, one missing after ship hits off Oman, says MEA

The strait has become a key point in any further negotiations between Iran and the United States to achieve a permanent end to the war that began on February 28. Image from a representative set. | Photo credit: Reuters

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday (July 12, 2026) said that of the 11 Indians on board a merchant vessel attacked off the coast of Oman, 10 have been rescued, while one is still missing.

In a statement condemning the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities for the ongoing search and rescue operation. “We thank the Omani authorities for their support.”

Also Read: West Asia War Update July 12, 2026

The MEA further described as “deeply disturbing” the “ongoing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region”.

“We reiterate our call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end and free and unrestricted navigation and trade through international waterways in the region must be restored as soon as possible in accordance with international law,” it added.

The United States attacked Iran early Sunday (July 12, 2026) morning over an Iranian strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that set a container ship on fire and forced its crew to abandon ship.

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

The strait has become a key point in any further negotiations between Iran and the United States to achieve a permanent end to the war that began on February 28.

The latest violence followed a meeting between Iranian and Omani foreign ministers on Saturday (11 July 2026) to discuss the strait after days of Iranian ship attacks and US retaliation dealt a blow to an interim deal to end the war.

The narrow strait lies in the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman, but has long been considered an international waterway.

Oman said so, and Iran agreed to continue discussing the Strait of Hormuz “at a technical and political level.”

(With inputs from AP)

Published – 12 Jul 2026 13:29 IST