New Delhi, June 13: India on Friday summoned US Charged Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time within a week, strongly protesting repeated attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters, incidents that have reportedly resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it conveyed its grave concern over the continued use of force against civilian commercial shipping. The ministry described the incidents as unacceptable and warned that such actions threaten the safety, security, and stability of international maritime trade in an already volatile region.
The latest diplomatic protest follows an attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, carrying 20 Indian crew members, was reportedly targeted by US naval forces on allegations of violating Washington’s blockade measures against Iran.
“The ministry lodged a strong protest regarding the continuing attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners, which have already led to the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the MEA stated.
India urged the United States to ensure that its military operations in the region do not endanger civilian shipping or maritime personnel. The MEA also requested Jason Meeks to convey New Delhi’s concerns to US authorities and take necessary steps to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
Reiterating its longstanding position, India called for unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that freedom of navigation remains a key concern amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The diplomatic row has intensified after three commercial vessels including the Palau-flagged tankers MT Marivex and MT Settebello were reportedly disabled by US naval actions within a week. The incidents have sparked concerns over the safety of Indian sailors working aboard international merchant vessels transiting one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
