India Lodges Strong Protest With US Over Attacks on Commercial Ships Carrying Indian Seafarers in Gulf of Oman
India on Friday formally conveyed its strong objections to the United States over a series of attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman. For the second time within 48 hours,
New Delhi summoned the US chargé d’affaires and expressed serious concern over incidents that have resulted in the loss of Indian lives and heightened risks to civilian maritime operations in the region.
The diplomatic move came a day after the government confirmed the deaths of three Indian sailors who had been reported missing following an attack on the tanker MT Settebello.
Of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the vessel, 21 were rescued safely. In a separate incident on Thursday, US forces reportedly fired Hellfire missiles at the engine room of MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker operating near the Omani coastline.
All 20 Indian nationals on board that vessel were evacuated without injury.
US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks was called to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where Additional Secretary K. Nagaraj Naidu, who oversees the Americas Division, communicated India’s concerns regarding the repeated attacks on civilian shipping involving Indian mariners.
In an official statement, the MEA said a strong protest had been registered with the American diplomat over the continuing military actions by US naval forces against commercial ships operating in the Gulf of Oman.
The ministry noted that these incidents had already led to the “tragic and avoidable” deaths of three Indian citizens.
India also reiterated its deep concern regarding the use of lethal force against civilian vessels.
According to the MEA, such actions are unacceptable because they jeopardise the safety of seafarers, undermine confidence in international maritime trade and threaten stability in a strategically sensitive region already facing heightened tensions.
The ministry urged the US representative to communicate India’s concerns directly to Washington and to ensure that American forces operating in the area adopt all necessary precautions to prevent civilian casualties and safeguard non-military shipping activities.
This was the second occasion in two days that Meeks had been summoned by Indian authorities.
He was first called to the MEA on Wednesday following an earlier attack involving MT Settebello.
Conflict in West Asia Continues to Impact Indian Seafarers
The ongoing conflict in West Asia, which escalated following military confrontations involving the United States, Israel and Iran, has increasingly affected Indian nationals working in the international shipping industry.
As Indian sailors form a significant part of the global maritime workforce, they have found themselves caught in the crossfire of the regional crisis.
Official estimates indicate that at least 13 Indian seafarers have lost their lives since the conflict began, while one individual remains unaccounted for.
Within diplomatic circles in New Delhi, there is growing concern that repeated attacks on civilian vessels cannot be ignored, particularly as maritime security and the protection of seafarers remain critical issues in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Strategic Waterway Faces Continued Disruptions
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, serving as the transit route for nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies.
Any disruption to shipping in the area carries significant consequences for international trade and energy markets.
Countries such as the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have reportedly been affected by the ongoing restrictions and instability in the region.
The resulting disruptions have contributed to fluctuations in global oil and gas prices while also affecting LPG supplies destined for India and other major importers.
The continuing attacks on merchant vessels, renewed military exchanges involving the United States and Iran, and growing concerns about freedom of navigation are expected to feature prominently during discussions among world leaders at the upcoming G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, eastern France.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump are expected to participate in the gathering. Modi is also scheduled to undertake an official visit to France and Slovakia from June 13 to June 18.
Iran Criticises US Actions
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei strongly criticised the United States over the attacks.
In a statement posted on X, Baqaei described the strikes on Indian commercial vessels as evidence of what he called America’s continued policy of aggression at sea.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased Indian sailors and extended sympathy to the Indian government and people.
The Iranian spokesperson further argued that the international community should hold the United States accountable for actions that, in Tehran’s view, threaten global stability, maritime security and freedom of navigation.
India Has Also Raised Concerns With Iran Earlier
India has not limited its concerns to actions by the United States. Earlier this year, New Delhi summoned the Iranian envoy to protest incidents involving the targeting of merchant vessels by Iranian naval forces.
At the time, the Indian government conveyed its deep concern after Iranian forces allegedly fired upon passing commercial ships, including two India-flagged vessels. The episode highlighted India’s broader position that civilian maritime traffic must be protected irrespective of the parties involved in regional conflicts.
As tensions continue to simmer in West Asia, India has maintained that the safety of its citizens, particularly those serving aboard international commercial vessels, remains a top priority and that all nations must uphold their responsibilities under international maritime norms.
