India has confirmed that three of its nationals remain missing after a missile strike hit the commercial oil tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 21 of the 24 Indian crew members onboard have been rescued, while search efforts are continuing for the remaining three sailors. 

In an official statement, the MEA strongly condemned the attack on the Palau-flagged vessel and said India's embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and three Indians are reportedly missing," the ministry said.

The tanker was reportedly struck near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with the missile hitting the engine room and triggering a fire onboard.

The vessel had 28 crew members, including 24 Indians, when it issued a distress call.

Expressing concern over the worsening security situation in the region, the MEA said repeated attacks on commercial shipping are a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Gulf.

"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region," the statement said.

India also renewed its appeal for an immediate reduction in tensions and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The ministry stressed that commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted and called for the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.

"The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest," the MEA added.

The attack comes amid heightened instability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passes.

Search operations for the three missing Indian sailors remain underway.