NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in a week to lodge a protest against repeated attacks on commercial ships off the coast of Oman that had Indian nationals on board.
Recent Incident Involving Indian Seafarers
This development comes a day after the US Navy attacked the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, which was carrying 20 Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman. The US claimed that the ship had violated the US blockade against Iran in the region.
India's Stance on Navigation Rights
The MEA has called for an end to such attacks and urged for "unimpeded and safe navigation" through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, amid the ongoing crises in the Middle East. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have stated our position in the Strait of Hormuz. We would like, we want, and we have urged that there be unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, keeping with international law. So that is our position. This is a topic which will come up for discussion, and we'll put our points across."
Multiple Ships Targeted
Three commercial ships, including the Palau-flagged vessels MT Marivex and MT Settebello, have been disabled by the US Navy within a week. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of three Indians.
Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement
The repeated summoning of the US envoy underscores India's growing concern over the safety of its citizens and the need for adherence to international maritime laws. The MEA continues to engage diplomatically to ensure the protection of Indian seafarers and the security of commercial shipping routes.
