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MEA condemns repeated strikes on ships with Indians onboard in Hormuz (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday expressed serious concern over repeated attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian crew members in West Asia. The move comes after the attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks to register a formal protest. During the meeting, Indian officials stressed the urgent need to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers operating in international waters.
"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. We need not re-emphasise this point. Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals," Jaiswal said.
Calling the incidents “deeply worrisome,” the MEA said the attacks were a direct consequence of the escalating conflict in the region. India reiterated its demand for an immediate halt to strikes on civilian and commercial vessels and urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy.
The attack on MT Settebello left three Indian crew members dead. Twenty-one other Indian sailors onboard were rescued. The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The latest attack underscores the risks posed by the ongoing US-Iran-Israel tensions. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, making security in the region a major international concern.
