Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 11: India on Wednesday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest over an attack on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, after three Indian crew members were reported missing.
Jason Meeks was summoned by Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which also condemned the attack on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello.
According to the MEA, 24 Indian nationals were among the crew on board the vessel. While 21 have been rescued, three crew members remain unaccounted for and search operations are continuing.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The MEA expressed concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region," the statement said.
India also stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must stop and urged the restoration of free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The development comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The US military confirmed that the tanker had been targeted, stating that the vessel was allegedly attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of a blockade.
According to the US Central Command, American forces fired precision munitions into the vessel’s engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with instructions issued by US forces.
Earlier, British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported that the tanker had transmitted a distress signal stating that its engine room had been struck by a missile. The company said local authorities responded to the incident and assisted in evacuating the crew.
The Indian Coast Guard had earlier stated that it coordinated with Omani authorities in rescuing Indian crew members following the attack.
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions following US airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran on Gulf countries.