New Delhi: India has formally protested to the United States following a military strike on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that left three Indian crew members missing, escalating concerns over the safety of civilian shipping in the conflict-hit West Asian region.
Government sources said the Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks and conveyed India’s strong objection through an official diplomatic communication over the incident involving the merchant vessel.
The attack reportedly targeted a commercial ship carrying 24 Indian nationals as crew members. While rescue efforts are underway, three sailors remain unaccounted for, prompting growing concern among authorities and their families.
In its official response, India condemned the targeting of civilian maritime assets and stressed that commercial vessels and critical infrastructure must not become casualties of regional conflicts. New Delhi also underlined the importance of safeguarding international sea lanes and ensuring uninterrupted navigation through vital shipping routes.
Officials reiterated that freedom of navigation in international waters is essential for global trade and regional stability, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation.
The incident comes amid heightened military tensions in the Gulf region, where repeated exchanges between regional powers have increased risks for commercial shipping operations. Industry experts have warned that continued instability could disrupt international trade and energy supplies passing through key maritime corridors.
Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain in touch with relevant agencies regarding the missing crew members. Diplomatic efforts are also underway to gather further information and ensure assistance for the affected sailors and their families.
The latest development highlights growing concerns over the impact of geopolitical conflicts on civilian maritime traffic, with India calling for immediate steps to restore security and protect international shipping routes from further violence.
