India's Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong protest Thursday after an attack on a commercial vessel killed three Indian seafarers [1].
The incident underscores the growing risk to commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. As a major maritime nation, India faces significant exposure when regional instability leads to strikes on international vessels.
The attack targeted the MT Settebello, a commercial vessel flying the flag of Palau [2]. The strike occurred off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman [1].
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said the government has registered its protest regarding the event. "We lodged a strong protest," Jaiswal said [1].
Jaiswal noted that the recurring nature of these strikes is a primary concern for the Indian government. "The attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf are deeply worrisome," Jaiswal said [3].
India is currently coordinating efforts to support the families of the deceased and ensure the safety of other crew members. Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing seafarer welfare [3].
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that such attacks on non-combatant vessels must end to ensure the safety of global trade routes. The government continues to monitor maritime security in the region to protect its citizens working aboard foreign-flagged ships [1].
“We lodged a strong protest”
This incident highlights the precarious position of Indian nationals in the global maritime workforce, where they often serve on vessels flagged to other nations. The diplomatic protest signals India's intent to hold regional actors accountable for the safety of commercial corridors, as repeated strikes in the Gulf of Oman threaten both human lives and the stability of international energy and trade shipments.
