NEW DELHI: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India has once again lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States after another commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members came under attack near the coast of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time within a week, expressing serious concern over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz region.
According to official sources, the latest action came a day after a vessel with 20 Indian crew members onboard was reportedly targeted. The meeting was held by the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the MEA, who conveyed India’s protest over the repeated attacks on merchant ships carrying Indian nationals. This marks the second formal summons issued to the US mission in New Delhi over the ongoing incidents.
The diplomatic row intensified after three Indian seafarers were confirmed dead following a strike on the oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. The deceased have been identified as Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, and Fitter Shivanand Chaurashiya. Initially reported missing after the attack, their deaths were later confirmed, making them the first reported fatalities involving Indian sailors since tensions escalated in the Gulf region.
The MT Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members onboard, was among the vessels caught in the recent wave of attacks linked to the ongoing conflict and maritime tensions in West Asia. While 21 crew members were rescued safely, the deaths of the three sailors triggered outrage and concern in India.
India has repeatedly stressed that the safety and welfare of its seafaring community remain a top priority. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had earlier stated that attacks on commercial shipping must stop immediately and called for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region. The government has also emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the security of international shipping lanes.
The attacks have prompted heightened vigilance from Indian authorities. The Ministry of Shipping, in coordination with the MEA, the Indian Navy, shipping companies, and international maritime agencies, has been monitoring developments closely. The government has directed all concerned agencies to remain on high alert and be prepared to respond to any contingency involving Indian seafarers or maritime interests.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil shipments. Any disruption in the region has far-reaching implications for international trade and energy security. With thousands of Indian seafarers employed on vessels operating across the Gulf, New Delhi has been closely watching the evolving situation.
India’s latest diplomatic move signals its growing concern over the recurring attacks on merchant vessels and the risks faced by Indian nationals at sea. The government has urged all parties involved in the regional conflict to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful solutions to prevent further loss of life and ensure maritime security.
