India has strongly protested an attack on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman that left three Indian crew members missing, prompting New Delhi to summon the most senior US diplomat in the country.
The development has added a fresh diplomatic dimension to the ongoing tensions in West Asia, with Washington confirming that it is in direct communication with the Government of India regarding the incident.
US Responds After India’s Protest
Responding to India’s concerns, a spokesperson for the US State Department said that American officials are actively engaging with Indian authorities.
“The Department of State is in direct contact with the Government of India regarding this matter,” the spokesperson said.
The response came after India summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over the attack on the tanker Settebello near Oman.
Three Indian Sailors Still Missing
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the tanker carried 24 Indian crew members.
Of them:
- 21 Indian crew members have been rescued.
- 3 Indian nationals remain missing.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating closely with Omani authorities to locate the missing sailors.
In an official statement, the MEA said:
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew on board, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing.”
What Happened to the Tanker?
The Settebello, a Palau-flagged vessel, was travelling from China’s Lianyungang port to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
The ship reportedly had:
- 24 Indian crew members
- 2 Pakistani nationals
- 1 Russian national
- 1 Ukrainian national
Maritime security reports indicated that the vessel suffered a major engine room fire after being struck by a missile.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar port in Oman.
Following the distress call, the Oman Navy launched a rescue operation and evacuated survivors.
India Calls for Immediate De-escalation
The Indian government described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping routes as deeply concerning.
The MEA stressed that the safety of civilian vessels and international trade routes must be protected.
India reiterated its call for:
- Immediate de-escalation in West Asia.
- A diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
- Protection of commercial shipping.
- Restoration of free navigation under international law.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must end,” the ministry stated.
Growing Concerns Over Maritime Security
The latest incident highlights rising risks for international shipping in the region.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has already disrupted maritime traffic through strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, several merchant vessels have faced attacks, diversions, or restrictions since the conflict intensified earlier this year.
The loss of Indian lives and the disappearance of crew members have further heightened concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working across global shipping routes.
Search Operations Continue
Omani authorities continue search and rescue efforts for the three missing Indian sailors.
Meanwhile, India is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining diplomatic engagement with both Oman and the United States.
Officials said New Delhi’s priority remains the safe recovery of the missing crew members and ensuring accountability for attacks that endanger civilian maritime operations.
As tensions persist in West Asia, the incident is expected to remain a key issue in ongoing diplomatic discussions between India and the United States.
