‘Unacceptable’: MEA Condemns Attack on Indian-Flagged Commercial Ship 'Haji Ali' Near Oman Coast
India has condemned a missile attack on the Indian-flagged ship Haji Ali off the coast of Oman, calling it "unacceptable." All crew members were safely rescued by Omani authorities. The incident occurred as BRICS foreign ministers met in New Delhi to discuss global security, highlighting ongoing threats to commercial shipping despite a fragile regional ceasefire.
India has expressed strong condemnation following a missile attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel, the Haji Ali, off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, May 13. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as "unacceptable," reiterating its grave concern over the safety of civilian mariners and the continued disruption of international maritime trade in the region.
The MEA confirmed that all Indian crew members on board the Haji Ali are safe and were rescued following a coordinated effort. New Delhi expressed its gratitude to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue operations. While the vessel sustained damage, the prompt intervention ensured no casualties were reported among the crew members. Trump and Hegseth Claim 'control' over Iran and Strait of Hormuz.
MEA Statement on Attack on Indian-Flagged Ship Near Oman Coast
Our statement on the attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/whly2BJ4TJ pic.twitter.com/PF0wAQ14zY
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 14, 2026
Indian Flagged Ship Oman Attack
In an official statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India deplores the ongoing targeting of commercial shipping. The Ministry emphasised that endangering innocent civilian crews and impeding the freedom of navigation should be avoided at all costs. The government highlighted that such attacks pose a serious threat to global commerce and maritime stability.
The attack occurred in a sensitive maritime zone near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies. While the MEA did not explicitly name the perpetrators, the incident takes place against a backdrop of heightened regional volatility and a fragile, temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran that has struggled to produce a lasting peace agreement.
BRICS Meeting Diplomacy
The maritime incident coincided with the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi for a high-level BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During the gathering, Araghchi addressed the emergence of a "new world order" and defended Tehran’s actions as part of a broader struggle against Western hegemony. 11 Indian Ships Exit Strait of Hormuz Following Diplomatic Engagement With Iran, 13 Still in Persian Gulf: MEA.
The presence of top diplomats from Russia, Iran, and other BRICS nations in the capital underscores the complex diplomatic environment India is navigating. As the current chair of the bloc, India is balancing its commitment to maritime security with its role as a mediator in a multipolar world, even as critical shipping lanes remain under threat from regional hostilities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 14, 2026 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
