New Delhi, Jun 12: New Delhi on Friday summoned United States Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, incidents that have already claimed the lives of three Indian seafarers.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Meeks was called to South Block and conveyed India’s “deep concern” over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping in the region. “A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the MEA said.
The ministry described the use of deadly force against civilian shipping as “unacceptable” and warned that such actions undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in an already volatile region. It urged the US administration to ensure that its forces operating in the area take all necessary measures to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
The latest diplomatic démarche came less than 48 hours after India first summoned the senior American diplomat following a US strike on the commercial tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew members aboard that vessel, 21 were rescued while three sailors were later confirmed dead.
Tensions escalated further on Thursday when another vessel, MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker carrying 22 Indian crew members, was struck by US forces in the Gulf of Oman. All crew members were safely evacuated and brought ashore at Shinas port with the assistance of the Royal Navy of Oman and Omani authorities.
According to US Central Command, the vessel was targeted for allegedly attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of the American blockade on Iran.
The US military said an aircraft fired Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from US forces.
The tanker was subsequently disabled.
The attacks are linked to the wider confrontation between the United States and Iran, which has intensified in recent months. Washington has sought to enforce a maritime blockade aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports, leading to increased military activity in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, one of the world’s most important shipping corridors through which a significant share of global oil trade passes.
India has repeatedly expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on commercial shipping and the safety of its seafarers.
The country supplies one of the world’s largest pools of merchant mariners, with thousands of Indians serving aboard international vessels operating in the Gulf region.
Following the recent incidents, the government has placed relevant agencies on heightened alert and is coordinating with the Ministry of Shipping, the Navy, foreign governments and shipping companies to safeguard Indian maritime interests.
The latest summons of the US envoy signals a rare public diplomatic disagreement between New Delhi and Washington, whose strategic partnership has expanded significantly over the past two decades. However, India has maintained that the protection of civilian shipping and the safety of Indian nationals remain paramount and has called for an end to attacks on commercial vessels and the restoration of safe and unhindered navigation in international waters.
