Unacceptable: India summons US Charge d'Affaires, lodges "strong protest" over attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers
New Delhi, June 12
India on Friday summoned the United States Charge d'Affaires, Jason Meeks, and lodged a "strong protest" over the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the US Charge d'Affaires was called to the ministry earlier in the day, where India's concerns over the incidents were formally conveyed.
"A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US 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 in the release.
The ministry reiterated India's deep concern over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and stressed that such actions pose a threat to maritime safety and regional stability.
"The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time," the statement added.
India also urged the United States to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of civilian vessels and prevent any further loss of life.
The MEA in its statement, further stated that the US Charge d'Affaires was requested to convey India's strong concerns to the American authorities and ensure that US forces operating in the region adopt all necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties.
"The U.S. Charge d'Affaires was requested to convey India's strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that U.S. forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life," the ministry stated.
The development comes amid another incident on Thursday, where a commercial vessel with 20 Indian crew members on board came under US attack in the region.
This marks the second time that the US mission has been summoned by the MEA over the escalating maritime security issue.
The US envoy was also called in by the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs to register India's serious concerns.
This escalation marks New Delhi's first public acknowledgement of the US Navy directly targeting commercial ships carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the American naval forces targeted three foreign-flagged merchant vessels operating with Indian crew members off the coast of Oman over four days.
CENTCOM on Thursday confirmed that American forces had struck the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman, claiming that the ship had violated the US blockade against Iran in the region, firing two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine room to stop its movement.
This marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the Gulf of Oman this week. Earlier, Palau-flagged vessels MT Marivex and MT Settebello, carrying Indian seafarers, were disabled on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, for attempting to transport Iranian oil.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that three Indian seafarers have lost their lives in the attack on the vessel MT Settebello and have been identified.
During an inter-ministerial briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that efforts are underway to bring their mortal remains to India at the earliest.
"These attacks came from the US Navy that is stationed there. As you would have seen in the various reports, as also in what was clarified through our statements and otherwise from this podium, the three ships that have been involved in the incidents are foreign-flagged," he said.
The US blockade is enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas amid diplomatic engagement to achieve a complete solution to the hostilities in West Asia, including all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm shocked at the lack of humanity here. These are civilian sailors doing their jobs, not combatants. The US using Hellfire missiles on merchant vessels is disproportionate and dangerous. India needs to immediately review all maritime security arrangements for our seafarers in the Gulf region. 😡
While I agree we need to protect our citizens, let's be honest - these ships were carrying Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions. Indian seafarers are unfortunately caught in the middle of geopolitics. The MEA's protest is good, but we must also work diplomatically to ensure safe passage for legitimate shipping. Both sides need to de-escalate.
As an American, I'm deeply troubled by this. Our Navy should not be attacking civilian vessels, regardless of what they're carrying. Losing three lives is a tragedy. I hope the US and India can resolve this diplomatically without further loss of innocent life. Thoughts and prayers with the families of those who died. 🙏
What is the point of 'strong protests' if this keeps happening? This is the third attack on ships with Indian crew in just one week! Either the US listens to our concerns, or India should consider deploying naval escorts for our merchant vessels in that region. Our seafarers shouldn't have to risk their lives for global trade. 💪
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