India summons US diplomat over tanker strike off Oman; 3 Indians still missing
India warned that attacks on merchant vessels were becoming increasingly dangerous as tensions continued to rise across the region. It also called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
"We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region."
The MEA said 21 Indian sailors were rescued following the attack, while three remain missing. The US military subsequently admitted targeting the vessel during enforcement of its blockade on Iran.
India on Wednesday summoned the United States' Charg d’Affaires in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman that had 24 Indian crew members onboard.
Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), summoned Jason Meeks, Charg d’Affaires of the United States, following the strike on the tanker Settebello.
British maritime security group Ambrey “assessed” that the incident “was likely the result of U.S. operations to blockade Iranian ports.” File picture from vesseltracker.com
- The Hindu
The move came as India strongly condemned the attack and expressed concern over the safety of Indian nationals caught in the latest escalation in the Middle East.
The MEA said: "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today."
"Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," the ministry added.
US CONFIRMS STRIKE ON SETTEBELLO
The US Central Command later confirmed that it had targeted the Settebello at 11:14 pm on June 9 (US time) as part of its ongoing maritime blockade against Iran.
According to the statement, "US Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman", adding that
"a US aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship's engine room" after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from American forces.
Maritime security agencies said the Settebello, a Palau-flagged chemical and oil products tanker, was struck off the Omani coast in what security analysts believe was a US missile attack. The vessel reported an engine-room fire about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar port in Oman.
British maritime security company Ambrey said the incident was likely linked to US operations enforcing a blockade on Iran-related shipping.
The ship had a total crew of 28 people, including 24 Indians.
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