India has strongly condemned an attack on the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace after 12 crew members, including 11 Indian nationals, were injured while the ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz off Oman.

The vessel, identified by IMO number 9893204, was struck by a projectile on Monday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Of the ship's 19-member crew, 17 were Indian nationals.

The injured sailors were evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities and taken to Khasab, Oman, where they are receiving medical treatment.

India Calls for Attacks on Shipping to Stop

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the incident and said the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region were a matter of deep concern for New Delhi.

India has called for an immediate halt to attacks targeting shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure, warning that continued incidents could further threaten peace, stability and commercial movement through the region.

Jaiswal said:

“We condemn the attack earlier today on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace (IMO 9893204) off the coast of Oman, where it was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

He confirmed that 17 of the vessel's 19 crew members were Indian nationals and that 11 Indians were among those injured.

India also expressed appreciation to the Omani authorities for helping evacuate the injured crew members and arranging medical treatment.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Faces Fresh Security Concerns

The incident comes at a sensitive time for commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

India has stressed that international waterways must remain open for safe navigation and commercial activity. Any disruption in the area can have consequences far beyond the vessels directly involved, particularly because the waterway is a major route for global energy and cargo shipments.

Jaiswal said the repeated incidents involving commercial shipping were a serious concern and reiterated India's demand for an immediate cessation of such attacks.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India.”

He added that targeting commercial vessels, sailors and civilian infrastructure must end and that navigation and commerce through international waterways should be restored as soon as possible.

Another Vessel Forced to Turn Back

The attack on MT On Peace was reported alongside another maritime security incident involving a commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a commercial tanker was forced to change course after being hailed and threatened by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The incident occurred on Monday at around 08:27 UTC, approximately 11 nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman.

IRGC Warning Prompted Course Change

According to the UKMTO advisory, IRGC forces contacted the vessel and warned that it would be targeted if the crew did not comply with instructions to turn back.

The vessel's master confirmed that the crew followed the instructions and changed course.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. UKMTO has urged commercial vessels operating in the area to exercise extreme caution and report suspicious activity immediately.

The two incidents have added to concerns over the safety of merchant ships and seafarers navigating the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.

Why the Incidents Matter for India

The large number of Indian nationals working aboard the affected vessel makes the incident particularly significant for New Delhi.

India has a substantial maritime workforce serving aboard commercial vessels operating on international routes. Any escalation in maritime tensions around the Gulf region can therefore directly affect Indian seafarers as well as the movement of goods and energy supplies.

For now, the immediate priority is the treatment and recovery of the injured crew members. At the same time, India is pressing for greater safety for civilian shipping and a return to uninterrupted navigation through international waterways.

Key Takeaways

• MT On Peace, a Panama-flagged commercial vessel, was struck by a projectile off Oman's coast.

• The vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz when the incident occurred.

• 12 crew members were injured, including 11 Indian nationals.

• The ship had 19 crew members, of whom 17 were Indian nationals.

• Omani authorities helped evacuate the injured sailors to Khasab for medical treatment.

• India condemned attacks on commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure.

• A separate commercial tanker was reportedly forced to turn back after an IRGC warning.

• UKMTO has advised vessels in the region to exercise extreme caution.

Pressure Mounts to Keep Gulf Shipping Routes Open

The latest incidents underline the growing security risks faced by commercial vessels navigating one of the world's busiest maritime corridors. India is likely to continue closely monitoring the safety of its nationals at sea while pressing for restraint and secure passage for civilian shipping.

The condition of the injured crew members and the findings of the ongoing investigations will remain important developments in the coming days. The wider question is whether maritime traffic through the region can return to normal without further incidents.

Disclaimer: This report has been compiled from publicly available official statements and standard press reports. Details may be updated as authorities release further information.