The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday registered a strong protest against repeated strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid the renewed US-Iran-Israel conflict. This followed a recent attack on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello while transiting the Gulf of Oman, which left three Indians dead.
MEA Condemns Attack, Summons US Diplomat
"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. We need not re-emphasise this point. Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"We had summoned the US CDA here to register a strong protest. The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease and end. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region," he added.
The MEA summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks on Wednesday and lodged a protest amid growing concerns that commercial vessels employing Indian sailors are increasingly being affected by the ongoing conflict. During the meeting, officials reportedly emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping must cease and highlighted the need to ensure the safety and security of seafarers navigating international waters.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Twenty-one of the 24 Indian crew members were rescued after the attack, while the other three were initially unaccounted for but later confirmed dead. The incident occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global trade.
Broader Context
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for oil and gas shipments, and any disruption there has significant implications for global energy markets. India, as a major consumer of energy, is particularly sensitive to instability in the region. The government has reiterated its call for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue.
The repeated attacks on commercial shipping have raised alarms about the safety of Indian seafarers, who constitute a significant portion of the global maritime workforce. New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with international partners to ensure the protection of its citizens.
