India Lodges Strong Protest with US After Missile Strikes on Merchant Ships Carrying Indian Crew Near Oman Coast
India has strongly protested to the United States after a series of missile strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members near Oman, with one attack reportedly killing three Indian sailors and raising serious concerns over maritime safety.
Three Indian Sailors Killed in Attacks
India has adopted a strong diplomatic stance following a series of missile attacks by US military forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members off the coast of Oman. The issue escalated after three Indian sailors were killed in one of the strikes, prompting New Delhi to summon the United States’ Chargé d’Affaires, Jason Mix, for the second time in a week to register its protest.
According to sources, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the American diplomat on Friday and conveyed India’s deep concern over the attacks. He had previously been called to the ministry on Wednesday night for an explanation regarding the incidents.
Three Merchant Vessels Reportedly Targeted
The MEA stated that three commercial ships carrying Indian sailors have come under attack in recent days near the Oman coast.
On June 8, the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was reportedly disabled during a US military operation. However, all crew members were safely rescued.
A second incident occurred on June 10 when the US Navy allegedly launched a missile strike on another vessel, Setebello. Of the 24 Indian sailors on board, three lost their lives in the attack.
Fresh Attack on MT Jalveer
In another reported incident on Thursday, the merchant vessel MT Jalveer came under attack when two missiles allegedly struck the ship’s engine room, causing extensive damage.
The vessel was carrying 20 Indian sailors at the time of the attack. Details regarding injuries or casualties aboard the ship have not yet been fully disclosed.
India Calls Attacks Unacceptable
MEA spokesperson Ranadhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks, stating that strikes on civilian commercial vessels are completely unacceptable.
He emphasized that the safety and security of Indian nationals working aboard international merchant ships remain a top priority for the Indian government. India has urged the United States to immediately halt such actions and ensure that civilian vessels are not targeted.
US Defends Military Action
According to the US administration, the targeted vessels were allegedly involved in transporting oil in violation of American sanctions imposed on Iran and Russia.
US Central Command reportedly carried out the operations as part of efforts to enforce sanctions and prevent unauthorized oil shipments.
However, India has expressed concern that such actions have directly endangered the lives of Indian citizens working on board the vessels.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
The incidents have created a rare moment of tension in India-US diplomatic relations. New Delhi is continuing diplomatic engagement with Washington while seeking assurances regarding the safety of Indian sailors operating in international waters.
The Indian government is also pursuing dialogue and diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation and ensure adequate protection for Indian maritime personnel in the region.
Focus on Safety of Indian Seafarers
With thousands of Indian sailors employed on merchant vessels across the world, the latest incidents have raised serious concerns about maritime security in the region.
India has reiterated that the lives of civilian crew members must be protected under all circumstances and has called for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than military action.
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