India Summons US Envoy For 2nd Time In 48 Hours Over Attacks On Indian-Crewed Vessels Amid US-Iran Conflict

India on Friday summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest over the recent attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members near the coast of Oman. The diplomatic move comes amid the intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran, which has raised fresh concerns about the safety of global shipping lanes.

This is the second time in just 48 hours that New Delhi has called in the senior US diplomat, underlining the seriousness with which India is viewing the attacks and the risks faced by Indian seafarers in the region.

MEA Summons US Chargé d'Affaires

Jason Meeks, who serves as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in New Delhi, was summoned by the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During the meeting, India reportedly conveyed its concerns over repeated attacks on merchant vessels operating near the Gulf of Oman and stressed the need to ensure the safety of civilian ships.

Indian officials have maintained that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must not become casualties of the ongoing military tensions in the Middle East. New Delhi has repeatedly called for secure and open maritime routes, especially in regions that handle a large volume of global trade.

Fresh Attack on MT Jalveer Raises Alarm

The latest diplomatic protest follows an attack on the merchant vessel MT Jalveer, which was targeted near Shinas Port in Oman on Thursday.

According to ship-tracking platform MarineTraffic, MT Jalveer is a Guinea-flagged vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing from the ship after the reported strike, triggering concerns about the safety of those on board.

The Indian Embassy in Oman later said that it was closely monitoring the situation and was coordinating with local authorities to ensure the well-being of the crew members and gather more information about the incident.

Third Attack on Merchant Ships in Recent Days

The attack on MT Jalveer marks the third reported strike on a commercial vessel linked to Indian crew members in less than a week.

June 8: MT Marivex Incident

The first incident occurred on June 8, when a fire broke out aboard MT Marivex after it was reportedly struck during the ongoing regional conflict. The tanker had 24 Indian nationals among its crew. Authorities successfully rescued all of them, and no fatalities were reported.

June 10: MT Settebello Tragedy

A second and more tragic incident took place on June 10, when the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello came under attack in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel carried 24 crew members, including several Indians.

While 21 crew members were rescued safely, three Indian seafarers were initially reported missing. Their deaths were later confirmed after rescue teams recovered and identified the bodies.

Government Mourns Loss of Indian Seafarers

Reacting to the tragedy, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed grief over the deaths of the Indian crew members.

In a post on social media platform X, Sonowal said, "It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified."

Calling it a "profound loss" for India's maritime community, the minister assured that the government stands firmly with the bereaved families and would provide all necessary support to the next of kin.

India's Strong Stand on Maritime Safety

Following the June 10 attack, India had already summoned Jason Meeks and conveyed its strong protest over the incidents. Friday's meeting reinforced New Delhi's position that attacks on civilian and commercial vessels are unacceptable, regardless of the broader geopolitical conflict in the region.

Officials have stressed that international shipping routes in the Gulf of Oman and nearby waters are critical for global trade and energy supplies. Any disruption not only threatens maritime workers but also creates wider economic and security concerns.

India has consistently advocated that all parties involved in the regional conflict should respect international maritime norms and ensure that shipping lanes remain safe and open for all vessels.

Rising Tensions in the Middle East

The latest attacks come against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran. The conflict has increased risks across key waterways in the Middle East, including the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil and cargo shipments pass.

With three separate attacks on merchant vessels in a matter of days and Indian citizens among the affected crew members, New Delhi is closely monitoring developments. The government is expected to continue engaging with regional authorities and international partners to protect Indian nationals working in the global shipping industry.

India's decision to summon the US envoy twice within 48 hours highlights the urgency of the situation and its determination to seek accountability while ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers caught in the crossfire of a growing international crisis.