Two Indian seafarers missing after ship attacks off Oman; Doval speaks to Iran's security chief as Riyadh airport stays shut
Shipping Minister Sonowal said two Indian seafarers are missing and nine rescued after a drone attack on a tanker at Sohar Anchorage in Oman (The Hindu). Hindustan Times reports that India said attacks on commercial ships and seafarers must cease and that the embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities. The Hindu says two ships were attacked on Sunday and that the IRGC Navy has warned vessels against switching off AIS. Ajit Doval spoke by phone to Iran's Mohsen Rezaei (Hindustan Times, Mint, The Hindu). Mint reports that Saudi Arabia extended the closure of Riyadh's King Khalid airport until 17 October, and Reuters, citing Cirium, expected about 60 per cent of scheduled flights to be cancelled. The Times of India puts the airport attack's death toll at 13. Iran is reviewing a US reply on reopening Hormuz (Reuters).
Hormuz carries a large share of the oil India imports. Attacks on ships and airports hit fuel prices, travel and safety at once.
If you have family in Saudi Arabia or on ships in the Gulf, follow the foreign ministry's advisories and the Indian embassy helplines. Airlines have cancelled Riyadh flights, so check your booking.
India's line is that attacks on civilian ships must stop and that it talks to everyone, including Tehran.
Critics say talking to Iran while its navy warns merchant ships shows how little leverage India has over the Gulf's security.
Two families are waiting for news. Watch the Omani search, any formal identification of the ships, and whether the shipping minister's list of vessels matches the foreign ministry's.
DailyDrop India edition No. 9 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 13, 2026