India summons US diplomat again over attacks on ships off Oman Coast
PTC News Desk: India on Friday summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time this week after another merchant vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman, marking the third incident involving Indian sailors in just four days.
The American diplomat was called in by the Additional Secretary (Americas) at the Ministry of External Affairs as New Delhi intensified its diplomatic efforts amid growing security concerns in the Gulf region.
The latest move came shortly after the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) issued a fresh maritime security advisory for nearly 18,000 Indian seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and nearby waters. The advisory followed a series of attacks on commercial vessels involving Indian crew members, including one deadly incident that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
The first reported incident occurred on June 8 aboard the merchant tanker MT Marivex, where a fire broke out following what maritime security sources described as a suspected strike. All 24 Indian crew members on board were reported safe.
The second attack took place on June 10 when MT Settebello came under fire in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members. While 21 sailors were rescued, three Indians who were initially reported missing were later confirmed dead.
A third attack was reported on Thursday involving another merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members off the Omani coast, further heightening concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and maritime personnel in the strategically important region.
The succession of incidents has prompted Indian authorities to strengthen monitoring measures and issue renewed safety advisories, amid rising tensions and security risks affecting international shipping lanes in the Gulf.
- With inputs from agencies
