India condemned the assault and called for the protection of commercial shipping in the Red Sea
An India-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after coming under attack off the coast of Yemen, prompting India to strongly condemn the assault on commercial shipping. All 13 Indian sailors on board, along with one Yemeni crew member, were rescued safely by local authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed.
According to the MEA, the vessel was struck by a projectile approximately 13 nautical miles south of the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. The impact caused severe damage, forcing the ship to capsize and eventually sink.
The rescued crew members were brought ashore by Yemeni authorities and are currently safe. India’s Embassy in Riyadh is working closely with local authorities to monitor their condition and facilitate any assistance required.
India condemns attack on commercial shipping
Expressing serious concern over the incident, the MEA described the attack as unacceptable and reiterated India’s longstanding position that commercial vessels must never become targets in conflict zones.
“The safety and security of international shipping and freedom of navigation are of paramount importance,” the ministry said, urging all parties to respect international maritime law and ensure the uninterrupted movement of merchant vessels through one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.
The government also thanked Yemeni authorities for their swift rescue operation that ensured there was no loss of Indian lives.
Red Sea remains a global flashpoint
The latest attack comes amid continuing instability in the Red Sea, where merchant ships have increasingly come under attack because of the wider regional conflict centred around the Middle East.
The Red Sea is among the world’s most strategically significant maritime trade routes, connecting the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean. Any disruption in the corridor affects global supply chains, energy shipments and international trade.
Over the past year, multiple commercial vessels transiting the region have been targeted, forcing several shipping companies to reroute cargo around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times and freight costs.
India closely monitoring the situation
India has repeatedly called for the protection of civilian shipping and has maintained a strong naval presence in the wider Indian Ocean Region to safeguard merchant vessels and respond to maritime emergencies.
While all Indian crew members escaped unharmed in this attack, the sinking of the vessel highlights the growing risks faced by commercial shipping operating in conflict-prone waters.
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