India Summons US Chargé d’Affaires Over Deadly Strike on Tanker with Indian Crew

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the United States Chargé d’Affaires to lodge a strong protest following a US military strike on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, which killed three Indian seafarers.

The incident occurred when US Central Command conducted a precision strike on the vessel. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued by Omani authorities, while three were confirmed dead.

The deceased Indian sailors have been identified as Aditya Sharma (cadet), Shivanand Chaurashiya (fitter), and Patnala Suresh (chief engineer). Their bodies are expected to be repatriated soon.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India expressed its “deepest concerns” over the attack on commercial shipping and called for an immediate end to such incidents amid escalating regional tensions. The ministry described the continuing attacks on shipping as deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict.

This marks the latest in a series of US strikes on tankers with Indian crew members in recent days, raising alarms about the safety of Indian seafarers in the volatile waters near the Strait of Hormuz.India has urged de-escalation to protect civilian lives, maritime trade, and infrastructure in the region.