India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar lodged a strong diplomatic protest with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a U.S. Navy strike killed three Indian seafarers [1].
The incident threatens the maritime security cooperation between New Delhi and Washington, as India demands accountability for the loss of its citizens in a critical shipping lane.
The telephone conversation between the two officials took place on May 23, 2026 [1]. This followed a strike on Wednesday, May 22, 2026 [2], which targeted an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Gulf of Oman [1].
Jaishankar said the attack was not justified and India lodged a strong protest [1]. The strike resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members [1]. According to Jaishankar, three vessels with Indian crew came under attack off the Oman coast that week, resulting in the death of three Indian seafarers on Wednesday [3].
India is seeking immediate accountability and the implementation of measures to prevent further threats to its maritime assets [1]. The Indian government emphasized that the safety of its sailors is paramount during international transit.
Jaishankar said India advocates dialogue and uninterrupted maritime trade [4]. The diplomatic friction comes as both nations navigate complex security dynamics in the Middle East, where the Gulf of Oman serves as a vital artery for global energy shipments.
New Delhi has called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to the strike. The Indian ministry stressed that such incidents undermine the stability of regional trade routes, and the safety of civilian crews on commercial vessels.
“"The attack was not justified and we lodge a strong protest."”
This diplomatic clash highlights the tension between U.S. military operations in the Middle East and the protection of neutral commercial shipping. By lodging a formal protest, India is signaling that its strategic partnership with the U.S. does not grant immunity for actions that result in the death of Indian nationals, potentially complicating future maritime security agreements in the region.
