India has strongly condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya after it was struck by a projectile in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, leading to the vessel’s sinking. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that all 14 crew members on board, including 13 Indian nationals, were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard.
The incident has once again highlighted growing security concerns for commercial shipping operating in the Red Sea, a region that has witnessed repeated attacks on merchant vessels in recent years. According to the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring developments and remains in constant touch with Yemeni authorities to ensure the welfare and security of the rescued crew members.
MEA Calls Attack Deeply Condemnable
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as “deeply condemnable” and expressed serious concern over the targeting of a commercial vessel carrying civilian crew members. The ministry reiterated India’s consistent position that merchant shipping should never be subjected to violence and stressed the importance of ensuring safe maritime operations across international waterways.
The MEA also thanked the Yemeni authorities for their swift response following the incident. It acknowledged the efforts of the Yemeni Coast Guard, whose timely rescue operation ensured that every crew member survived despite the vessel capsizing and sinking after the impact.
Officials said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh continues to coordinate with local authorities to facilitate all necessary assistance for the rescued seafarers. The government is also monitoring the situation to ensure their continued safety while arrangements are made for further support.
Sarbananda Sonowal Confirms Rescue of Crew
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal shared details of the incident in a post on X, stating that the mechanised sailing vessel was struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters. According to the minister, the impact caused the vessel to capsize before eventually sinking.
“The safety of our people is our supreme priority,” Sonowal said, confirming that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, had been rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.
The minister described the incident as an “unprovoked attack” on an unarmed commercial vessel and praised the coordinated rescue efforts that prevented any loss of life. The successful evacuation of all crew members was completed shortly after the vessel went down in the Red Sea.
Government Orders Immediate Coordination for Crew Assistance
Following the rescue operation, Sonowal said he had directed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to work closely with all concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive support for the rescued sailors. The instructions include coordinating with relevant authorities to address the immediate needs of the crew and monitor the security situation in the region.
The government has also asked maritime authorities to maintain close communication with Indian seafarers operating in nearby waters, reflecting ongoing concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes passing through the Red Sea and surrounding areas.
India Raises Concern Over Repeated Attacks on Commercial Shipping
Responding to the latest incident, the Ministry of External Affairs said the continued targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea is a matter of serious concern. The ministry noted that repeated attacks threaten the safety of civilian seafarers and disrupt one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
India urged an immediate end to attacks on merchant ships and stressed that international shipping must be allowed to operate without fear of violence. The ministry reiterated that commercial vessels carrying civilian crews should be protected under international norms, regardless of their nationality or destination.
Call for Safe Navigation Under International Law
The MEA also emphasised the importance of restoring free and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law. It said secure sea lanes are essential for global commerce and regional stability, making the protection of commercial shipping a shared international responsibility.
The ministry’s statement reflected India’s longstanding support for the principle of freedom of navigation, particularly in strategically important maritime corridors that handle a significant share of global trade and energy shipments.
Indian Embassy Continues Monitoring the Situation
Officials said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh remains actively engaged with Yemeni authorities following the rescue operation. Diplomatic officials are monitoring the condition of the rescued crew members and coordinating efforts to ensure they receive all necessary assistance after being brought safely ashore.
The government has not reported any injuries among the crew members in its official statement. With all 14 sailors rescued, authorities are now focused on their welfare while maintaining close coordination with local agencies handling the aftermath of the incident.
Incident Highlights Continuing Maritime Security Challenges
The sinking of the MSV Faize Noore Oliya underscores the security challenges facing commercial shipping in the Red Sea, where merchant vessels continue to operate amid heightened regional tensions. The latest attack is likely to reinforce calls for stronger international efforts to safeguard shipping lanes and protect civilian crews working aboard commercial vessels.
For India, the incident also highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of its seafarers employed on international shipping routes. The government’s swift diplomatic engagement, combined with the successful rescue operation carried out by the Yemeni Coast Guard, ensured that all crew members survived the attack.
As authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident, India has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the rescued crew while advocating for secure and uninterrupted maritime trade. The government has also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Yemeni authorities and reiterated its call for an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
