Three Indian seafarers died after a U.S. Navy strike hit an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on June 12, 2024 [1].
The incident creates diplomatic tension between New Delhi and Washington, as India protests the targeting of a commercial vessel and the resulting civilian casualties.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the government is deeply concerned about the loss of Indian lives and has raised the matter with the United States [2]. The strike occurred in waters off the coast of Oman [1].
Jaishankar said such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified [1]. While some reports initially indicated that three Indian nationals were missing, other sources confirmed the deaths of three crew members [1], [2].
There are conflicting reports regarding which U.S. official received the protest. Some sources state Jaishankar raised the issue with Secretary of State Marco Rubio [1], while other reports identify Secretary of State Antony Blinken as the recipient of the communication [2].
The U.S. Navy has not publicly provided a justification for the strike on the tanker in the available reports. India maintains that the attack on a non-military vessel was an unwarranted action that led to the loss of life [1], [2].
“Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.”
This incident highlights the precarious position of commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, a critical maritime chokepoint. The diplomatic friction between India and the U.S. over civilian casualties suggests that military operations in the region may strain strategic partnerships if commercial vessels are caught in the crossfire of broader geopolitical conflicts.
