New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has underscored that the safety and security of Indian vessels and seafarers remain a matter of "high importance" following the sinking of an Indian-flagged commercial vessel in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen.
Addressing the media during a bi-weekly briefing in New Delhi on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal detailed the government's response to the incident involving the vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya, which was targeted earlier this week.
"This is a subject of high importance and we attach high priority to the issue. Our missions all across the Gulf region are in constant contact with shipping, as also with maritime authorities in those countries and other authorities as well," Jaiswal said, adding that Indian missions are operating 24/7 helplines to support affected individuals.
Jaiswal reiterated India's call for safe, unimpeded navigation and the protection of global commerce.
"While we are coordinating with the Ministry of Shipping and local authorities in the West Asia and Gulf region, we continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the free flow of commerce through international waterways. We also call upon all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure and civilians, especially commercial vessels and seafarers," he added.
The MEA had earlier condemned the attack, confirming that all 13 Indian nationals among the 14 crew members were rescued safely.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the attack.
"India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenceless mechanised sailing vessel. The safety of our people is our supreme priority, and I am relieved to inform that all 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha," Sonowal said.
He added that the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) has been directed to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the continued safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region.
The incident has renewed concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical global shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.