India summoned the top U.S. diplomat in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest after a U.S. missile strike hit a commercial oil tanker [1].
The incident creates a diplomatic rift between the two nations as India seeks accountability for the safety of its citizens in contested waters. This clash occurs amid escalating tensions regarding the U.S.-led blockade of Iran.
The strike targeted a tanker near the coast of Oman in the Gulf of Oman [1]. U.S. officials said the operation was a "precision" attack, and said the vessel failed to follow instructions while the U.S. was enforcing a blockade against Iran [3, 4].
Reports on the casualties vary. The Wall Street Journal reported that three Indian nationals were killed in the strike [3]. Other reports indicate that three Indian sailors remain missing [1, 2]. The tanker, identified as the Settebello, had 24 Indian nationals on board [5].
India first lodged its diplomatic protest on June 10, 2024 [2]. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated the protest on June 11, 2024 [5]. This event was part of a wider pattern of maritime aggression, with two tankers hit by U.S. strikes within a 72-hour period [5].
U.S. officials said the strike was necessary to maintain the integrity of the blockade. Indian officials said the loss of life was unacceptable for a commercial vessel.
“India summoned the top U.S. diplomat in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest”
The incident highlights the precarious position of neutral commercial shipping during the U.S. blockade of Iran. By summoning the top diplomat, India is signaling that the 'precision' of U.S. military operations does not excuse the risk to third-party nationals, potentially complicating the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
