New Delhi: The death toll among Indian sailors following a United States military strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman has risen to three, prompting a strong diplomatic response from India and raising fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
Indian authorities confirmed on Wednesday that three Indian crew members who had been reported missing after the attack were found dead. The sailors were among 24 Indian nationals working aboard the tanker MT Settebello when it was struck near the Gulf of Oman, close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The incident has triggered a diplomatic dispute between New Delhi and Washington. In response to the deaths, India summoned the senior most American diplomat in the country and lodged a formal protest. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and demanded a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the attack.
According to reports, the tanker was operating in international waters when it came under attack. The United States military has stated that the vessel was suspected of transporting Iranian oil and was targeted as part of operations linked to sanctions enforcement and regional security measures. American officials have maintained that the action was taken after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with instructions issued by US authorities.
However, the deaths of civilian sailors have drawn criticism and renewed questions about the risks faced by merchant vessels operating in conflict affected waters. India emphasized that civilian shipping and innocent crew members must not become casualties of military actions.
The Gulf of Oman and the nearby Strait of Hormuz are among the world's busiest maritime corridors, carrying a large share of global oil exports. Any security incident in the region has the potential to disrupt international trade and energy markets. Shipping companies have already been facing increasing challenges as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
Indian diplomatic missions in the region worked closely with local authorities and rescue teams following the attack. Search and recovery operations were launched immediately after the strike, while surviving crew members received assistance and support. The Indian government is also coordinating with the families of the deceased sailors and making arrangements for the return of their remains.
The United States has acknowledged India's concerns and said it remains in communication with Indian officials. However, Washington has not indicated any change in its position regarding the operation.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by seafarers who work in some of the world's most sensitive and volatile maritime zones. India is one of the largest providers of skilled maritime personnel to the global shipping industry, with thousands of Indian sailors serving aboard international vessels.
Maritime experts have warned that increasing military activity in the Gulf region could place commercial shipping at greater risk unless stronger safeguards are introduced. Several international shipping organizations have called for enhanced protection of civilian vessels and clearer communication between military forces and merchant ships operating in conflict areas.
As investigations continue, the deaths of the three Indian sailors are expected to remain a significant issue in India United States relations. The incident has also intensified calls for greater accountability and stronger international measures to ensure that commercial shipping crews are protected during periods of geopolitical tension.
For the families of the sailors who lost their lives, the incident is a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of conflicts that extend far beyond national borders and affect ordinary workers carrying out their duties at sea.