15 May,2026 08:45 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/AFP
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday strongly condemned what it described as a "terrorist attack" targeting an Indian-flagged vessel off the coast of Oman, hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Abu Dhabi for an important bilateral visit.
In a statement issued through its official social media platforms, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) described the incident as a serious threat to international maritime security and freedom of navigation in one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors.
The ministry said the attack on the Indian vessel near Omani waters represented a "dangerous escalation" that could undermine the stability and security of critical international waterways.
The UAE also reaffirmed its solidarity with India and expressed support for efforts aimed at safeguarding Indian commercial vessels and maritime interests operating in the region.
The UAE's Foreign Ministry stated that the assault amounted to a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which supports freedom of navigation and opposes attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions to global maritime trade routes.
Without directly naming any group or country responsible for the incident, the ministry warned against using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of "economic coercion or blackmail."
According to the statement, such actions could amount to piracy and pose a direct threat to regional stability, civilian safety and global energy security.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's busiest oil transit routes, carrying a significant portion of global crude oil exports. Any disruption in the region has the potential to impact international trade and energy markets.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also reacted to the incident earlier in the day and condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged vessel.
In its official statement, the ministry said targeting commercial shipping and civilian mariners was unacceptable and reiterated India's position on ensuring freedom of navigation in international waters.
The ministry confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the ship were safe and thanked Omani authorities for carrying out rescue operations.
"All Indian crew on board are safe, and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them," the MEA said in its statement.
The ministry further stated that commercial shipping routes and innocent civilian crew members should not be endangered under any circumstances.
While authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the name of the vessel or details regarding the nature of the attack, official sources indicated that New Delhi is closely monitoring developments in the region.
The incident comes at a sensitive time, with Prime Minister Modi set to begin his scheduled visit to Abu Dhabi later on Friday.
Diplomatic sources indicated that maritime security and regional stability are expected to feature prominently during discussions between Indian and UAE officials.
Both countries are likely to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in securing shipping routes across the Gulf region and the Arabian Sea amid rising tensions in West Asia.
The latest attack has once again highlighted growing concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the region, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate around the Strait of Hormuz and nearby maritime corridors.
(With inputs from IANS)
