India Denies Attack on MT Liaki Freedom, Dismisses Misinformation as Crew Confirmed Safe

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that the Indian-crewed tanker MT Liaki Freedom had come under attack off the coast of Oman, describing the information as false and misleading. The clarification came after social media posts and online reports triggered concerns over the safety of the vessel and its crew amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

According to MEA sources, Indian authorities immediately established contact with the vessel after reports of an alleged attack began circulating online. Officials said they directly spoke with the ship’s master to verify the situation and assess the safety of the crew members on board. The ministry confirmed that all personnel were safe and that no such incident had occurred.

In an official statement, MEA sources said the master of MT Liaki Freedom categorically denied the reports of any attack. The clarification effectively put to rest speculation surrounding the vessel and reassured families of crew members as well as maritime stakeholders concerned about security in the region.

Also Read: Rafael Grossi Says India’s UN Security Council Bid Is Logical And Justified

The ministry’s fact-check unit also moved swiftly to counter the misinformation. In a post on social media platform X, it labelled the reports as “Fake News” and urged people to remain cautious about unverified claims being circulated online. The post specifically refuted a viral claim alleging that the tanker had been struck and that several Indian sailors had been killed.

The episode comes at a time when maritime security remains a sensitive issue in the Gulf region. Recent incidents involving commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman have heightened concerns among governments and shipping operators. As a result, reports involving Indian-crewed ships have drawn significant public and diplomatic attention.

India has recently raised concerns over attacks on commercial vessels operating in the region and has engaged diplomatically with foreign governments regarding maritime security. Against this backdrop, officials stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing it, noting that false reports can create unnecessary panic and complicate efforts to monitor genuine threats to international shipping and the safety of seafarers.

Also Read: Bangladesh Cricketer Nayeem Hasan Alleges Police Harassment and Assault