India Protests US Strikes After Tragic Deaths of Three Indian Seafarers

In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed strong condemnation of recent US military actions that resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. The incident occurred in the Gulf region, specifically off the coast of Oman, where US Navy strikes targeted commercial vessels.

Jaishankar conveyed India’s protest during a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday. Taking to social media, he stated, “I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.” This incident has heightened tensions between India and the United States, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had also summoned Jason Meeks, the US Chargé d’Affaires, for the second consecutive day to formally express India’s concerns regarding these strikes. The summoning of Meeks, which also took place the previous Thursday, aimed to address the continued threats posed to vessels carrying Indian crew members in the region.

During these discussions, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that India had voiced its deepest concerns regarding the attacks. He noted that the fatalities from the US Navy’s operations have raised serious questions about the justification for such military measures against commercial shipping routes.

Moreover, amidst these tragic circumstances, it was reported that twenty-one crew members were rescued from the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, where the fatalities occurred. This incident draws attention not only to the safety of Indian seafarers but also to the broader implications of military engagement in international waters, which could threaten commercial shipping operations worldwide.

India’s strong response reflects its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while also advocating for safe maritime practices. As diplomatic dialogues continue, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation evolves, especially in relation to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

Source: scroll.in