New Delhi: India has formally summoned the senior most American diplomat in New Delhi to protest an attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members off the coast of Oman, amid growing instability in West Asia and rising concerns over the safety of international shipping.
The diplomatic move came after the vessel Settebello was attacked near Oman, leaving three Indian crew members missing at the time and prompting a large scale rescue operation. Of the 24 Indians on board, 21 were rescued, while efforts were launched to trace the remaining sailors.
The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the attack and conveyed India’s concerns to Jason Meeks, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi. Senior MEA official Nagaraj Naidu was tasked with communicating India’s position and seeking clarity over the incident.
India stated that attacks on commercial vessels operating in international waters are deeply troubling and linked to the escalating conflict across West Asia. The government stressed that civilian ships and maritime infrastructure must not become targets in regional hostilities.
New Delhi also renewed its call for an immediate reduction in tensions and urged all parties to pursue diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. The government emphasized that free and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways must be restored in accordance with international law.
Indian authorities said the country’s embassy in Oman remains in close contact with local agencies involved in search and rescue efforts and is monitoring developments closely.
The attack marks the latest in a series of incidents involving vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf region. Maritime security concerns have intensified as hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, raising fears about the security of key shipping corridors.
The latest strike occurred against the backdrop of renewed military exchanges in the region, with concerns growing that the conflict could further disrupt global trade and energy supplies moving through strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.
India’s protest underscores the seriousness with which New Delhi views the safety of its citizens at sea and the need to safeguard international maritime commerce from the fallout of regional conflicts.
