A U.S. military strike on the oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian crew members [1].
The incident risks straining diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Washington, as India alleges the attack was unprovoked and violated international law [2, 3].
The strike occurred off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz [1, 3]. According to reports, the vessel had a total crew of 24 people [1]. Following the attack, 21 crew members were rescued [1].
Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said all three bodies have been recovered and identified [1]. The Indian government has responded by lodging an official protest against the United States [3].
Reports regarding the status of the crew have varied. While some sources confirm the deaths, an official from the Indian shipping ministry said all 20 Indians aboard the vessel involved in the latest incident are safe [2]. However, multiple other reports maintain that three Indian seafarers died in the strike [1, 3].
The U.S. military has identified the strike as part of a broader operation in the region [2, 3]. The MT Settebello is a commercial oil tanker, and the location of the attack, the Gulf of Oman, is a critical maritime corridor for global energy shipments [1, 3].
“New Delhi has lodged an official protest against the United States.”
This incident highlights the volatility of the Gulf of Oman and the risks commercial shipping faces during U.S. military operations in the region. The diplomatic friction caused by the deaths of Indian nationals may complicate security cooperation between the two nations in a strategic zone near the Strait of Hormuz.
