New Delhi: India has strongly objected to recent attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members in waters near Oman, formally raising the issue with the United States after a series of incidents left three Indian seafarers dead.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that three foreign-flagged commercial ships with Indian nationals on board were targeted over the past four days. The attacks have intensified concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region.
Following the latest incident involving the tanker MT Settebello, the Indian government summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged an official diplomatic protest. During the meeting, India conveyed its deep concern over the repeated attacks and stressed the need to protect civilian maritime personnel.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the welfare and safety of Indian seafarers remain a top priority for the government. He noted that India had clearly communicated its position to the US and emphasized that military actions affecting merchant shipping must cease immediately.
According to officials, the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was struck on June 8 and rendered inoperable. All crew members were rescued safely. Two days later, another Palau-flagged vessel, Settebello, came under attack, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
India also reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving regional tensions. The government called for uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international maritime law.
Jaiswal stated that the incidents involved foreign-registered vessels, including two ships sailing under the Palau flag and another registered in Guinea-Bissau. None of the vessels were owned by Indian companies.
Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said evacuation efforts have begun for crew members aboard another affected vessel, Jalveer. Meanwhile, all surviving crew members from Settebello, including 21 Indians and four foreign nationals, have been safely evacuated.
The government has also announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased seafarers. The Seamen Welfare Fund Society has been directed to provide compensation of ₹10 lakh to each affected family.
According to official data, more than 18,000 Indian seafarers are currently working in the Gulf region. Of these, 562 crew members are serving aboard 13 Indian-flagged ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
Indian authorities have maintained that the safety of maritime workers must be protected and have urged all parties involved in the regional conflict to exercise restraint and avoid actions that endanger civilian lives and international shipping routes.
