Three Indian sailors died following a U.S. military strike on the commercial oil tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The incident has sparked political tension in India, as critics argue that Indian citizens are becoming collateral damage in the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Asaduddin Owaisi, an Indian politician, said the deaths were the result of "Trump's reckless foreign policy" [2]. He said the tragedy was due to U.S. aggression in the region and that the event reflects a broader instability caused by tensions between the U.S. and Iran [2].
Owaisi also directed his criticism toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the broader global crisis. He called for a stronger response from the Indian government regarding the loss of life at sea.
"I request the Prime Minister to call out Israel for what it is doing," Owaisi said [3].
The strike occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. While the U.S. military conducted the operation, the casualties included three seafarers of Indian nationality [1].
Owaisi questioned the silence of the central government regarding the deaths of the sailors. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak out against the actions of the U.S. and Israel to protect Indian interests, and citizens abroad [3].
“Trump's reckless foreign policy”
This incident highlights the precarious position of neutral commercial shipping and foreign crews during U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf. By linking the deaths to both U.S. policy and Israeli actions, Owaisi is attempting to push the Indian government toward a more confrontational diplomatic stance against its Western allies to prioritize the safety of its global maritime workforce.
