India faced its initial loss in the Iran conflict when an oil tanker, MKD Vyom, was targeted in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member. The Indian Embassy in Oman is working closely with local authorities to ensure the safe return of all nationals aboard the vessel.
The attack on the oil tanker, registered to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, occurred about 52 nautical miles off Oman’s coast by an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The incident caused a fire and explosion in the main engine room, leading to the tragic demise of the Indian crew member.
Following the attack, the vessel’s crew, comprising 21 members including 16 Indians, four Bangladeshis, and one Ukrainian, were evacuated via the commercial vessel MV SAND, under the supervision of Oman’s Royal Navy. Simultaneously, a vessel from the Royal Navy of Oman is monitoring the affected tanker and issuing navigational warnings to other vessels in the area.
Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik engaged in discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the escalating military situation in the region and its impact on security and stability. The importance of international cooperation to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue and diplomacy for crisis containment was emphasized during the calls.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi participated in the 15th extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to express Oman’s support for collective actions aimed at maintaining security and stability in the region. Albusaidi highlighted the necessity of diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of conflicts and intensify regional cooperation.
