MEA Briefing: India-China Concerns, Oman Ship Attack and Regional Security Discussed

New Delhi, September 15, 2026: The Ministry of External Affairs said several issues were discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s concerns and emphasised the need for both sides to remain sensitive to each other’s core concerns. He said the relationship should be guided by the principles of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.

On the attack involving the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, Jaiswal said India considers attacks targeting commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure unacceptable. He said India also supports the restoration of free and safe navigation and uninterrupted commercial movement through international waterways in the region.

According to the spokesperson, the Panama-flagged vessel was carrying 14 Indian national seafarers. Thirteen have been rescued, while one Indian seafarer remains missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing with assistance from the Omani authorities, while the Indian Embassy remains in contact with them.

Responding to a question about a reward announced by Pakistan for information concerning Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, Jaiswal said India had seen similar announcements in the past and called for concrete action rather than announcements.

On India-Russia energy cooperation, the spokesperson said energy remains an important part of the bilateral partnership. He highlighted long-standing cooperation in the nuclear sector and cited the Kudankulam project as an example of India-Russia collaboration. He said both sides want to take the cooperation forward and that technical teams have been holding discussions.

Jaiswal also said External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two sides discussed regional and international developments, including the situation involving the Houthis.

India, he said, remains concerned about the escalation in the Red Sea region and has condemned attacks on Saudi territory, including civilian infrastructure and economic assets. Jaiswal said such attacks affect regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb. He added that India continues to receive energy supplies from the region and supports the restoration of peace and stability.