An Indian crew member was killed after an India-flagged cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman, prompting New Delhi to condemn the attack and call for an end to threats against commercial shipping.
The vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was carrying 14 Indian seafarers when it was hit near Limah on Monday evening, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Omani coast guards rescued 13 crew members, while one sailor died from his injuries.
India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal identified the deceased as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, from the western state of Gujarat.
“While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries,” Sonowal said in a statement posted on social media.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a separate statement condemning the incident and expressing condolences to the victim’s family.
It said the Indian Embassy in Oman was monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities to arrange the early repatriation of the rescued crew members and the remains of the deceased sailor.
The ministry described the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region as deeply concerning and urged all parties to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic settlement.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the statement said.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns across Gulf shipping routes following the outbreak of the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel on February 28. Attacks on vessels and restrictions affecting maritime traffic have disrupted commercial activity and raised concerns about the safety of crews operating in the region.
Several Indian sailors have been killed in attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. New Delhi has repeatedly called for safe and unrestricted navigation through international waters, while condemning attacks on commercial vessels.
India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of merchant shipping personnel. According to the country’s shipping ministry, more than 320,000 Indian seafarers were active in the global maritime industry in 2025.
The latest death has renewed concerns over the risks faced by Indian nationals working on commercial vessels travelling through waters affected by regional hostilities. Indian authorities said they were continuing to coordinate with Oman to assist the rescued crew and arrange the return of the deceased sailor’s remains.
