India again summons US envoy over attacks on ships near Oman that killed three Indians

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks on Friday to express its protest over ongoing attacks on commercial vessels near Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers aboard the ship Settebello. This follows an earlier ‘strong protest’ lodged by India on Wednesday over similar incidents in the Strait of Hormuz region. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated concerns about the targeting of commercial ships, marine personnel, and civilian infrastructure. He stated that the three vessels involved in recent attacks were foreign-flagged—two Palau-flagged and one Guinea-flagged—and clarified that none were Indian-owned. Jaiswal also noted that two of the ships were OFAC-sanctioned, and one was non-compliant. The US State Department confirmed it is in ‘direct contact’ with India regarding the matter, emphasizing ongoing engagement. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route, has seen escalating tensions and military activity, raising concerns about maritime security. India, which has one of the world’s largest seafaring workforces, has repeatedly urged the international community to ensure the safety of commercial shipping lanes. The MEA emphasized the importance of maintaining open access to the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and called for an immediate halt to the attacks. The incidents highlight broader regional instability, as tensions in the Gulf continue to threaten civilian and commercial maritime operations. India’s diplomatic efforts reflect its commitment to protecting its seafarers and ensuring the safety of international shipping routes.