EAM Jaishankar Protests US Strikes
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has lodged a strong protest with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the deaths of three Indian seafarers in American strikes on commercial vessels near Oman. India has said lethal action against civilian shipping is unacceptable and has raised serious concerns over maritime safety.
Jaishankar Protests Indian Seafarers Deaths
Jaishankar spoke to Rubio after three Indian mariners were confirmed dead following a U.S. strike on the tanker Settebello near Oman. The vessel reportedly had several Indian crew members on board when it was targeted.
India has conveyed that the use of force against commercial vessels cannot be justified, especially when civilian seafarers are at risk. New Delhi has also demanded that such actions stop and that the safety of Indian nationals be protected.
India Summons US Diplomat
India has also summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires in New Delhi to formally register its protest. This was the second diplomatic protest lodged by India over attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members.
Officials are coordinating with shipping companies and maritime agencies to assist the affected crew members. The government is also working on repatriation and support for families of the deceased sailors.
US Strikes On Merchant Vessels
The U.S. has said the targeted vessels were linked to violations of restrictions on Iranian oil shipments. However, India has stressed that commercial shipping and civilian crew members must not become casualties of regional military escalation.
The incidents have increased concern among Indian seafarers and their families, particularly as tensions in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global shipping routes.
