India has intensified its diplomatic response after three Indian sailors were killed in US strikes on merchant vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar directly raising the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The deaths have sparked concern in New Delhi and renewed questions about the safety of civilian shipping routes in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
Speaking with Marco Rubio on Friday, Jaishankar reiterated India’s strong protest against the US strikes that resulted in the deaths of Indian mariners. The conversation came just hours after the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the senior-most American diplomat in New Delhi for the second time in the same week to register India’s concerns.
The Indian government maintained that attacks on commercial shipping carrying civilian crews are unacceptable and emphasized that merchant vessels should not be subjected to lethal military action. The issue has become a significant diplomatic challenge as India seeks accountability while ensuring the safety of its citizens working aboard international vessels.
Jaishankar Tells Rubio Merchant Vessels Should Not Be Targeted
In a statement shared on social media, Jaishankar said he had spoken with Rubio and reiterated India’s strong objections to the attacks carried out by US naval forces in the Gulf of Oman. He stressed that actions resulting in the loss of civilian lives aboard commercial ships were not justified.
The remarks reflected New Delhi’s growing concern over the repeated targeting of vessels carrying Indian crew members. Indian officials have consistently argued that merchant shipping plays a critical role in global commerce and should remain protected from military confrontations.
The issue has generated public attention across India following confirmation that three Indian sailors lost their lives during the incidents. The deaths have also raised broader concerns regarding maritime security and the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on international shipping routes.
Ministry Of External Affairs Summons Senior US Diplomat Again
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time since Wednesday, signaling the seriousness with which India views the matter. During the meeting, Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu reportedly conveyed a strong protest regarding the continued attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members.
According to the ministry, India expressed deep concern about the use of deadly force against civilian shipping. Officials argued that such actions undermine maritime security, threaten international trade routes, and create instability in an already sensitive region.
Indian authorities also urged the United States to ensure that military operations in the Gulf prioritize the protection of civilian lives and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Three Merchant Vessels Targeted In Gulf Of Oman
According to the US Central Command, military forces took action against three vessels this week—MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MT Jalveer. US authorities alleged that the ships were attempting to violate restrictions linked to Iranian ports and therefore became targets of enforcement operations.
The most recent strike occurred on June 11 when a US combat aircraft reportedly fired Hellfire missiles into the engine room of MT Jalveer to disable the vessel. Although none of the ships were Indian-flagged, all carried Indian crew members onboard.
MT Marivex and MT Settebello sailed under the flag of Palau, while MT Jalveer was registered in Guinea-Bissau. Despite their foreign registration, the presence of Indian sailors aboard the vessels has made the incidents a matter of national concern for India.
Death Of Indian Sailors Intensifies Diplomatic Pressure
The diplomatic dispute escalated after three Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello, who were initially reported missing, were confirmed dead. Among them was 23-year-old Aditya Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, who was serving as a deck cadet and training to become a licensed ship officer.
Oman’s armed forces reportedly rescued more than 60 Indian crew members from the affected vessels, preventing a larger tragedy. Nevertheless, the deaths have intensified calls for greater protection of civilian mariners operating in conflict-prone regions.
Maritime security experts note that the Gulf of Oman remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, linking energy producers in West Asia with global markets. Any escalation involving commercial vessels can have significant consequences for international trade, energy supplies, and regional stability.