India Summons Top US Diplomat After America Admits To Attacking Ship With Indian Crew In Gulf of Oman

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d'Affaires of the US embassy in India, after America admitted to attacking a commercial ship with 24 Indian crew members onboard in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday.

As many as 21 Indians have been rescued, while three are still missing after the attack on the 'Settebello' ship.

In an official statement, the MEA said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman…Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.”

India said that the repeated incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome” and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. Calling for immediate de-escalation of tensions, India said a diplomatic solution much be reached between US and Iran so that peace and stability can return to the region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA added.

The United State Central Command (CENTCOM) has claimed that it attacked the oil tanker for allegedly violating the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. The ship carried Indian crew members, 21 of whom has been rescued and three are still missing.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said, “U.S. Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. CENTCOM forces have disabled eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13."

The fresh attack comes after a Palau-flagged oil tanker was hit on Monday, following which 24 Indian crew members were rescued.