India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires Jason Meek to protest a U.S. military strike on a vessel carrying Indian nationals.
The incident marks a significant diplomatic tension between the two nations, as India seeks accountability for the safety of its citizens operating in volatile maritime corridors.
The strike targeted the Settebello, a vessel flying the flag of Palau [3], while it was positioned off the coast of Oman in the Gulf of Oman [1, 2]. The Indian government lodged a strong protest regarding the attack, which occurred during a period of heightened regional instability [1, 2].
According to reports, 21 Indian crew members were rescued following the strike [1]. However, three Indian crew members remain missing [1].
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Jason Meek to address the circumstances surrounding the strike and the impact on the crew [1, 2]. The diplomatic summons serves as a formal demand for an explanation regarding the targeting of the Palau-flagged ship, and the resulting casualties among the Indian nationals on board [1, 2].
Officials have not yet provided a detailed timeline of the engagement or the specific military objectives that led to the strike on the Settebello [1, 2]. The Indian government continues to seek information on the status of the three missing sailors as rescue and recovery efforts proceed in the Gulf of Oman [1].
“India summoned the US envoy to protest a US military strike on a vessel carrying Indian nationals”
This diplomatic friction underscores the risks faced by neutral commercial shipping and multinational crews during U.S. military operations in the Middle East. By summoning the Charge d'Affaires, India is signaling that its strategic partnership with the U.S. does not exempt American forces from accountability when Indian nationals are harmed in regional conflicts.
