3 Indians Missing On Tanker Off Oman; India Summons US Official
Reports indicated that the vessel, a Palau-flagged tanker, was hit in an incident attributed to United States naval operations enforcing a blockade related to Iran. However, India did not name or blame the United States in its official statement.
New Delhi: India on Wednesday summoned United States Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman in which three Indian seafarers are missing, government sources said.
The vessel, identified as Settebello, had 24 Indian crew members on board, of whom 21 were rescued. This is the second such incident this week involving a ship with Indian seafarers off the Omani coast. The US military said in a post on X on Wednesday that it fired precision munitions into the engine room of the oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, disabling the vessel, after the crew failed to comply with directions from American forces.
The ministry of external affairs summoned Meeks, who is officiating in the absence of US Ambassador Sergio Gor. The meeting, led by additional secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu, lasted about 30 minutes, during which India conveyed its protest and is also learnt to have issued a demarche.
In a statement, New Delhi said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.”
It added, “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 the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest.”
Reports indicated that the vessel, a Palau-flagged tanker, was hit in an incident attributed to United States naval operations enforcing a blockade related to Iran. However, India did not name or blame the United States in its official statement.
According to reports, the ship reported an engine room fire about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar port, and the Omani Navy responded to the distress call.
Earlier this week, India had thanked Oman for rescuing 24 Indian seafarers from the vessel MT Marivex, which was disabled off the Omani coast in a separate incident.
The developments come amid ongoing tensions in the region and ahead of a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit.
The matter pertains to maritime security concerns and diplomatic engagement following the incidents.
