India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation of the attack on the Indian-flagged cargo vessel MSV Haji Ali, which sank after being struck by a suspected drone or missile in Omani waters. The incident occurred on May 13 while the vessel was transporting livestock from Berbera Port in Somalia to Sharjah. The MEA characterized the attack as 'unacceptable', marking a significant escalation in India's concerns regarding maritime security in the Gulf region. Fortunately, all 14 crew members were rescued by the Oman Coast Guard before the vessel sank. This attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly following recent military actions involving Iran and the United States. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated the importance of protecting commercial shipping and civilian mariners, especially as BRICS foreign ministers, including representatives from Iran, convene in New Delhi. The incident underscores India's strategic concerns about the safety of maritime routes critical for global trade.