Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 12

India on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in three days and lodged a strong protest over attacks by US forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, incidents that have killed three Indian seafarers.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it conveyed its “deep concern” over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and described the attacks as unacceptable.

“A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the ministry said.

The MEA said the use of deadly force against commercial shipping undermined the safety and stability of international maritime commerce and urged Washington to ensure that its forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent further civilian casualties.

The latest démarche followed India’s first protest on Wednesday after a U.S. strike on the tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. The vessel had 24 Indian crew members on board. Twenty-one were rescued, while three sailors were later confirmed dead.

Tensions escalated further on Thursday after another merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members was targeted in the Gulf of Oman, prompting renewed concerns in New Delhi over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region.

The incidents come amid a broader confrontation between the United States and Iran that has intensified maritime security risks around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.

India, one of the world’s largest suppliers of merchant mariners, has repeatedly called for the protection of civilian shipping and the restoration of safe navigation through international waters. The government said it was coordinating with relevant agencies and foreign authorities to safeguard Indian nationals serving aboard commercial vessels in the region.

The renewed summoning of the U.S. envoy highlights growing concern in New Delhi over the safety of Indian crew members, even as India and the United States continue to maintain a broad strategic partnership.

Indian officials said the protection of civilian shipping and Indian nationals remained a matter of paramount importance.