India Protests After US Airstrike Leaves Three Seafarers Missing in Gulf of Oman Incident

In a significant diplomatic move, the Indian government summoned a senior US diplomat on Wednesday following a US airstrike that targeted the commercial tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, leaving three Indian seafarers unaccounted for. The incident raises serious concerns about the safety of Indian nationals abroad and the escalating tensions in the region.

The Settebello, which is registered under the Palau flag, had a total of 24 Indian crew members on board. Fortunately, 21 of these crew members were rescued, but the fate of the three remains uncertain. The attack was carried out by US forces on the grounds that the ship had violated American maritime restrictions linked to Iran. This blockade aims to deter illegal oil transport from Iranian territories.

On the same day, Jason Meeks, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in India, was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. During this meeting, Indian officials voiced their strong objections to the attack and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Gulf region. They emphasized the importance of diplomatic negotiations to ensure peace and stability in a volatile maritime landscape.

According to a statement from US Central Command, the decision to strike the Settebello involved precision munitions aimed specifically at the vessel’s engine room, following the crew’s failure to comply with orders from American forces. The strike reportedly occurred shortly after a similar incident involving another tanker, Marivex, which also faced US military action under accusations of breaching the blockade. Fortunately, all crew members aboard the Marivex were rescued without serious injuries.

As the Indian government navigates this challenging diplomatic situation, the case highlights the broader implications for India’s maritime trade and the safety of its citizens abroad. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its commitment to protecting Indian nationals and insisted on the need for international cooperation to prevent such incidents in the future.

Source: scroll.in