India on Friday strongly objected to the US Navy strikes in the Gulf region that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar directly raising the matter with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he conveyed India’s serious concerns over the incident and emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping cannot be justified.
“Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” Jaishankar said.
India Demands Accountability
The diplomatic intervention comes amid growing concern over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The issue gained urgency after three Indian sailors, who were initially reported missing following an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, were later confirmed dead. The vessel was struck during military operations in the Gulf, triggering a rescue effort by Omani authorities.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described the deaths as a “profound loss to India’s maritime family” and assured full support to the affected families.
Three Indian Mariners Confirmed Dead
According to official information, the three sailors were among the crew members aboard MT Settebello when the vessel came under attack. While 25 crew members were rescued, including 21 Indians, the three missing sailors were later found dead.
Sonowal said the government has directed officials to ensure the swift repatriation of the deceased sailors and facilitate the return of the surviving crew members to India.
Rising Tensions in the Gulf
The incident has intensified concerns over maritime security in the Gulf, a region that serves as one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key passage for global energy supplies and commercial shipping.
The deaths of the Indian sailors have also added a new dimension to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, prompting India to seek greater safeguards for civilian and commercial maritime operations.
India Prioritises Safety of Seafarers
India has consistently highlighted the importance of protecting merchant vessels and civilian maritime workers in conflict-prone waters. With thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international vessels, ensuring their safety remains a top priority for the government.
The latest diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington underscores India’s expectation that commercial shipping routes should remain secure and free from military action that endangers civilian lives.
