EAM Jaishankar, Oman Counterpart Albusaidi Discuss West Asia Conflict

(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a phone call with his Oman counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi on Thursday to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

After their conversation, EAM Jaishankar posted on X, “Spoke with FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi of Oman on the ongoing conflict in West Asia.”

On March 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. PM Modi also expressed appreciation for Oman’s continued support for the Indian diaspora.

“Spoke with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential for the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability. Deeply appreciated Oman’s continued support to the Indian community,” PM Modi posted on X.

On March 2, the Indian Embassy in Oman announced that an Indian national aboard the oil tanker MKD Vyom was killed after the tanker was reportedly targeted in the Gulf of Oman. The embassy stated that it was in contact with local authorities to facilitate the safe and prompt repatriation of Indian nationals on board.

“The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic death of an Indian national aboard MKD Vyom. The embassy is working closely with local authorities in Oman to ensure the safe and swift repatriation of our nationals on the vessel. We remain committed to providing all possible assistance in this matter,” the Indian Embassy in Oman posted on X.

According to Oman’s official news agency, the oil tanker, registered to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, was attacked by an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.

The tanker was carrying an estimated 59,463 metric tonnes of cargo. The attack caused a fire and explosion in the main engine room, resulting in the death of one crew member of Indian nationality.

In coordination with the Maritime Security Centre, the tanker’s 21 crew members—16 Indian nationals, four Bangladeshi nationals, and one Ukrainian national—were evacuated via the commercial vessel MV SAND, which flies the flag of Panama. Meanwhile, a vessel from the Royal Navy of Oman is monitoring the condition of the targeted tanker and issuing navigational warnings to vessels passing through the same maritime zone.

The conflict in West Asia was triggered by joint US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, aimed at degrading Tehran’s missile capabilities and military infrastructure.

The initial wave of the operation killed senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to respond with drone and missile attacks targeting US assets, regional capitals, and allied forces across West Asia.