Muscat: India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met the 20 Indian crew members of merchant vessel MT Jalveer in Muscat ahead of their return to India, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Indian nationals overseas.
According to the Indian Embassy in Muscat, the sailors were safely evacuated to shore with the assistance of Omani authorities after the vessel was involved in a maritime security incident on June 11.
The interaction allowed the ambassador to personally assess the well-being of the rescued crew members before their repatriation. The embassy reiterated that it remains committed to providing timely assistance and ensuring the safe return of Indian citizens facing distress abroad.
The evacuation took place amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region and growing diplomatic friction between India and the United States over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers.
Last week, India summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time within 48 hours and lodged a strong protest over repeated strikes on merchant vessels operating near the Gulf of Oman. The diplomatic démarche followed the confirmation of the deaths of three Indian sailors who were aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and described such actions as unacceptable, warning that they undermine the safety and stability of international maritime commerce in a strategically sensitive region.
India also urged the United States to ensure that its naval forces operating in the region take all necessary precautions to prevent further civilian casualties.
The maritime crisis stems from heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have increasingly affected commercial shipping routes in the Gulf region.
The most serious incident involved MT Settebello, carrying 24 Indian crew members, which came under attack off the Omani coast. While 21 crew members were rescued through a joint operation involving Indian and Omani authorities, three sailors lost their lives.
Earlier, on June 8, another vessel, MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, was reportedly struck near the Gulf region. All crew members were rescued safely. MT Jalveer became the third vessel to face an attack within a span of four days, highlighting growing risks for merchant shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Oman also confirmed the successful rescue of all 14 crew members aboard the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Virat-1 after it sank approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd. The rescued sailors are currently travelling to Mumbai aboard another vessel, Jabal Ali 9, and are reported to be safe and in good health.
The Directorate General of Shipping credited the successful rescue operation to close coordination among Omani authorities, the Indian Embassy, maritime agencies and other stakeholders.
