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India has summoned the United States Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi after a second attack on a commercial vessel near the Gulf of Oman within three days left three Indian seafarers missing, escalating diplomatic tensions amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a formal protest with the United States and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels operating in the region.
Three Indians Missing After Vessel Attack
According to the MEA, the commercial vessel Settebello came under attack off the coast of Oman while carrying 24 Indian crew members. While 21 sailors were successfully rescued, three Indian nationals remain missing, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.
Indian officials said the country’s embassy in Oman is closely coordinating with local authorities and maritime agencies to locate the missing crew members and provide assistance to those rescued.
India Registers Strong Protest (Deputy Chief)
In response to the incident, the government summoned Jason Meeks, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, to formally convey India’s concerns.
Senior officials reportedly handed over a diplomatic demarche and emphasized the need to protect civilian shipping and ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in international waters.
The move marks one of India’s strongest diplomatic responses to recent maritime incidents linked to the escalating regional conflict.
Second Attack in Three Days Raises Alarm
The latest incident is reportedly the second attack on a commercial vessel in the region within three days.
Indian officials noted that repeated attacks on merchant ships have significantly increased risks for civilian sailors and international shipping operations near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The government described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping as “deeply worrisome” and linked them to the broader instability created by the ongoing conflict in the region.
MEA Calls for Immediate De-escalation
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s call for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
Officials warned that continued military escalation threatens not only regional security but also global trade routes, energy supplies, and the safety of thousands of civilian sailors working aboard international vessels.
India stressed that peace and stability in the region are essential for ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.
Importance of Strait of Hormuz
The attack occurred near one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption a major international concern.
Shipping companies have already expressed concerns about increasing risks to commercial vessels transiting through the region as tensions continue to rise.
Security analysts warn that repeated attacks could force shipping operators to reroute vessels, increasing transportation costs and affecting global energy markets.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue operations involving Omani authorities, maritime agencies, and international partners remain underway as efforts continue to locate the three missing Indian crew members.
The rescued sailors are reportedly receiving assistance while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Indian officials have assured families of the missing crew that every possible effort is being made to gather information and support the ongoing search mission.
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Regional Tensions Remain High
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions involving the United States, Iran, and other regional actors in West Asia.
With commercial vessels increasingly caught in the crossfire, governments around the world are urging restraint and calling for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
For India, which has a large number of seafarers working on international vessels and significant economic interests in the region, ensuring maritime security remains a top priority.
As investigations continue and rescue efforts remain active, the attack has once again highlighted the growing risks facing commercial shipping in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
