Shashi Tharoor Slams US Over Deaths Of Indian Seafarers, Says ‘Friend’ Showed No Condolence

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticised the United States over the deaths of three Indian seafarers in a military strike on a merchant vessel, accusing Washington of failing to show even basic empathy towards India. His remarks have added to growing political criticism in India after the incident in the Gulf of Oman, which has raised concerns about the safety of civilian sailors operating in conflict zones.

Tharoor Raises Questions Over Lack Of Condolences

The Thiruvananthapuram MP reacted strongly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the incident. Tharoor expressed disappointment that the official American response did not acknowledge the loss of Indian lives.

In a post on X, he wrote, "Deeply shocking to read this official US statement, which contains absolutely no expression of regret or condolence for the loss of innocent Indian lives. How can a 'friend' and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?"

He also questioned the military tactics used during the operation and whether non-lethal alternatives could have been considered before the vessel was targeted.

"Why couldn't a non-compliant commercial vessel have been stopped using other, non-lethal means? Is it not possible to disable a ship's propulsion or steering without firing missiles targeted to kill civilian crew members?" he said.

Concern Over Safety Of Indian Sailors

Tharoor highlighted India's significant contribution to the global maritime workforce and warned against treating civilian seafarers as casualties of military operations.

"Practically every merchant ship navigating these crucial waters has Indian crew on board. Are they all considered fair game for US missiles now?" he asked.

Calling the approach unacceptable, the Congress leader added, "This approach is unacceptable and I hope @DrSJaishankar had said so to @marcorubio."

Deeply shocking to read this official US statement, which contains absolutely no expression of regret or condolence for the loss of innocent Indian lives. How can a “friend” and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?

Why couldn’t a non-compliant commercial vessel have been… pic.twitter.com/heUIOGuulG

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 13, 2026

His comments reflect wider concerns in India about the risks faced by merchant sailors working in regions affected by military conflict and geopolitical tensions.

Manish Tewari Joins Criticism

Another senior Congress leader, Manish Tewari, also targeted the United States over its handling of the situation. In a strongly worded post on X, Tewari accused Washington of showing little sensitivity towards the deaths of Indian nationals.

He wrote: "No regret , No remorse, no empathy, no sympathy. Abrupt, abrasive confrontational . @SecRubio could not have been more belligerent"

Tewari further stated, "The sub text in between the lines is - Indian sailors were responsible for what happened to them. Hardly the language you use with a country you call a friend."

The remarks underline growing political pressure on the government to seek a detailed explanation from US authorities regarding the incident.

Three Indians Killed Aboard Merchant Vessel

The controversy stems from the deaths of three Indian crew members aboard the Liberia-flagged merchant ship MV Eternity C. The vessel was reportedly struck during a US military operation linked to efforts to counter threats to maritime traffic in the Red Sea region.

The attack took place against the backdrop of ongoing security operations launched by the United States and its allies to protect commercial shipping routes that have come under repeated attacks since late 2023.

India, one of the world's largest suppliers of merchant navy personnel, has repeatedly voiced concern over the safety of civilian sailors working in high-risk waters. Following the deaths, the Ministry of External Affairs said it had sought detailed information about the circumstances surrounding the strike and remained in contact with American authorities.

As questions continue to mount, opposition leaders have demanded greater accountability and a clearer explanation from Washington over the loss of Indian lives.