New Delhi [India], June 13 (ANI): Former diplomat Veena Sikri on Saturday commended External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for raising the deaths of three Indian seafarers in US strikes with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that the issue has sparked widespread anger in India.
Sikri Highlights Global Concern
Speaking to ANI, Sikri emphasized the importance of conveying India's displeasure at the highest level regarding the attacks on Indian civilian ships in the Gulf of Oman. She noted that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) based in London has also issued a strong statement condemning the attacks and calling for the protection of commercial ships, seafarers, and sea lines of communication at all times.
"It is very important and I am very glad that External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar has spoken to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to convey at the highest level that we are extremely unhappy with the three attacks on Indian civilian ships, on commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman, and three Indian seafarers have died as a result. There is great anger in India about that," Sikri said.
IMO Statement and Global Reaction
She added that the IMO has expressed serious concern and underscored that civilian and commercial ships must be protected regardless of hostilities. "So there is great anger globally on this, and I think the external affairs minister has conveyed it absolutely correctly," she stated.
Denial of US Claims on Iranian Drones
Sikri also addressed US President Donald Trump's claim that Iranian drones were responsible for the attacks, noting that this has been denied widely. "We know that President Trump did make a statement that it was Iranian drones which did the attack, but I think that has been denied everywhere. Iran has denied it strongly because there were no drones. We know that there were missiles, and there is visual evidence to show that it was missiles, not drones. Those who were saved on board also say it was a missile. So there is universal acceptance that these were American ships that attacked the commercial vessels," she explained.
US-Iran Peace Deal Prospects
Discussing the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, Sikri noted that both sides have indicated closeness to an agreement, but the details remain unclear. "Two days ago, President Trump said he would do a final attack on Iran and take over Kharg Island, but by evening he changed his mind. He said we are very close to an agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has also said we are close. But the question is, what is the agreement?" she said.
She added that Iran wants Lebanon to be included in the agreement. "The Iranian side has let it be known what points are important for them, and they want to include Lebanon clearly. The big sticking point seems to be convincing Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. Otherwise, left to Iran and the US, they have more or less agreed on all points," Sikri said.
Israel's Reluctance and Next 24 Hours Crucial
Sikri pointed out that Israel is reluctant to include Lebanon in the peace deal and wants a closer linkage with nuclear negotiations on Iran's nuclear weapons program. "There are these final sticking points. But there is even an indication that the agreement could be signed tomorrow in Geneva, and Vice President JD Vance may go there for signing. The next 24 hours are very crucial," she said.
Pakistan PM Claims Deal Close
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed on Saturday that the peace deal between the US and Iran is "closer than ever" and expected to be finalized within 24 hours, followed by technical-level talks. In a post on X, Sharif thanked both nations and expressed confidence that the deal would form a foundation for lasting peace.
"We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical-level talks next week," Sharif said.
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