India lodges protest with US after Gulf of Oman strike on tanker

On June 11, India lodged a strong protest with the United States after a US Central Command operation in the Gulf of Oman led to casualties among Indian seafarers aboard the Palau-flagged tanker M/T Settebello, ANI News writes.

The vessel was reportedly disabled by precision strikes in its engine room after being accused of attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of a blockade, according to CENTCOM.

"At 11:14 p.m. on June 9, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman."

India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks to convey its concerns and called for accountability.

"We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of a seafaring community, as you know that we have a large seafaring community, which is spread across the world, we also have a large number of seafarers who are there in the Persian Gulf and West Asia, and we are in touch with us through our embassy and through Ministry of Shipping to ensure their welfare," Jaiswal said.

The ministry said it was coordinating with its embassy in Oman and monitoring search and rescue efforts.

"We conveyed that the welfare of our seafaring community is very important, and the attacks that are happening must stop," he said.

"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew members 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,"

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf of Oman where commercial shipping has faced repeated disruptions in recent months. CENTCOM has claimed its forces disabled the tanker after alleged non-compliance with an ongoing blockade it says is aimed at curbing Iranian oil transfers.

India has reiterated calls for de-escalation, protection of commercial shipping and restoration of safe navigation through strategic maritime corridors. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev