India Protests to US After Merchant Vessel Attack Near Oman; Three Indian Seafarers Reported Missing
India has formally conveyed its strong concerns to the United States following an attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members off the coast of Oman on Wednesday.
The incident, which has left three Indian nationals unaccounted for, has heightened anxieties over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia and the safety of international maritime routes.
In response to the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Jason Meeks, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in New Delhi.
During the meeting, Indian authorities registered their protest over the strike on the vessel and expressed serious concern regarding the escalating risks faced by civilian shipping operating in the region.
The vessel, identified as Settebello, came under attack while navigating waters near the Omani coast.
Following the incident, the Indian Embassy stated that it was closely tracking developments and maintaining contact with relevant authorities.
The attack occurred just days after another commercial ship, Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, was also targeted in the same volatile region.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard Settebello have been safely rescued.
However, three Indian nationals remain missing, prompting an extensive search operation involving local authorities and maritime agencies.
The MEA said that India’s Embassy in Oman is actively coordinating with Omani officials and continuously monitoring the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
Diplomatic channels remain engaged to ensure that every possible step is taken to locate the missing crew members and secure their safe return.
Expressing deep concern over the repeated assaults on merchant vessels, India strongly condemned the continuing attacks on civilian shipping in the region.
The government described the latest incidents as “deeply worrisome” and warned that the growing instability poses a serious threat to international maritime security and global trade.
The External Affairs Ministry also linked the attacks to the wider conflict unfolding in West Asia, stating that the assaults on commercial vessels are a direct consequence of the ongoing hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Officials stressed that the expanding conflict is increasingly affecting civilian infrastructure and international transportation networks.
Regional tensions escalated sharply after Israel and Iran exchanged military strikes earlier this week.
The situation intensified further when the United States launched attacks on Iranian targets following the reported downing of a US Army Apache helicopter by Iranian forces.
Against this backdrop, India reiterated its call for restraint and de-escalation.
The government emphasised that commercial shipping lanes and civilian infrastructure must not become targets in any conflict, regardless of the circumstances.
In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties involved to ensure the safety of maritime traffic and restore normalcy to international waterways at the earliest.
It stressed that free, secure and uninterrupted navigation through the region’s sea routes is essential for global commerce and must be protected in accordance with international law.
As search operations continue for the missing Indian crew members, New Delhi remains focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens while advocating for stability and the protection of international shipping in one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime corridors.
