India summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time this week after another merchant vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called in the diplomat as part of its intensified response to the escalating threat to commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
The latest summons followed a fresh maritime security advisory issued by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) for nearly 18,000 Indian seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and adjoining waters. Officials said the advisory was prompted by three recent attacks involving ships with Indian crew, including one that claimed the lives of three sailors.
The first incident occurred on June 8 when MT Marivex reported a fire after a suspected strike. All 24 Indian crew members were safe. On June 10, MT Settebello came under fire in the Gulf of Oman, leaving three Indian sailors dead and 21 rescued. The third attack was reported on June 12, involving MT Jalveer with 20 Indian crew members. Authorities have yet to disclose full details of the incident.
India, home to the world’s second-largest seafaring workforce with over 3.2 lakh sailors globally, remains highly exposed to the deteriorating maritime security situation. Officials estimate that 622 Indian seafarers aboard 13 India-flagged vessels are currently operating in waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
The government said it will continue to press for stronger international measures to safeguard Indian nationals working on merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
