New Delhi: India on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over a series of attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, incidents that have already resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a senior official met the US diplomat and conveyed New Delhi’s deep concern over the continuing attacks on civilian shipping in the region. India described the loss of Indian lives as “tragic and avoidable” and stressed that such incidents were unacceptable.
According to the MEA, India expressed serious reservations over the use of lethal force against commercial vessels, warning that such actions threaten the safety and stability of international maritime trade in an already sensitive region.
During the meeting, the US diplomat was asked to convey India’s concerns to Washington and ensure that American forces operating in the area take all necessary precautions to prevent further casualties among civilian crews.
The latest démarche marks the second time in recent days that India has summoned representatives of the US mission over attacks involving merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman. Tensions escalated further after another commercial vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members reportedly came under attack on Thursday. All crew members are understood to be safe.
The diplomatic row follows an earlier incident in which three Indian seafarers lost their lives after a merchant vessel was targeted. Their deaths are the first known Indian fatalities linked to the worsening maritime security situation in the Gulf region.
The developments have raised alarm in New Delhi, particularly because a large number of Indian seafarers work aboard commercial ships operating through the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
India has repeatedly underlined the importance of safeguarding civilian shipping and ensuring uninterrupted maritime commerce. The government has also called for adherence to international norms governing navigation and the protection of commercial vessels.
Reiterating its position, the MEA said attacks on civilian ships are unacceptable and emphasized the need to preserve security, stability and freedom of navigation in international waters.
The latest exchange between India and the United States highlights New Delhi’s growing concern over the safety of Indian nationals at sea and the wider impact of the maritime crisis on global trade.
