‘These Attacks Must Cease’: India Summons US Diplomat, Protests Repeated Strikes On Shipping In West Asia

India on Thursday lodged a strong protest over the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, expressing serious concern over the safety of Indian seafarers caught in the escalating conflict linked to the ongoing US-Iran-Israel tensions. The move comes after a recent attack on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello while it was transiting the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian crew members.

India Raises Concerns Over Safety Of Seafarers

Addressing the media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the growing risks faced by Indian sailors working in the region and reiterated the government's commitment to their welfare.

"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. We need not re-emphasise this point. Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals," Jaiswal said.

The attack has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by commercial shipping crews operating in one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors.

MEA Summons US Diplomat, Registers Strong Protest

In response to the recent incidents, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks on Wednesday and formally conveyed India's concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in regional waters.

"We had summoned the US CDA here to register a strong protest. The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease and end. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region," Jaiswal added.

#WATCH | MEA Spox Randhir Jaiswal says, "There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers community. We need not re-emphasise this point. Yesterday, we… pic.twitter.com/pD7GJPBuSQ

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2026

During the meeting, Indian officials reportedly stressed that commercial vessels should not become casualties of the broader regional conflict and called for urgent measures to ensure the protection of international shipping routes and maritime personnel.

Three Indians Dead, Majority Of Crew Rescued

The attack on MT Settebello left the vessel's crew in distress, triggering rescue operations. Of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the ship, 21 were successfully rescued. Three crew members were initially reported missing but were later confirmed dead.

The tragedy has sparked fresh concerns about the vulnerability of merchant vessels employing Indian sailors, particularly as hostilities continue to intensify across West Asia.

Strategic Waterway Under Growing Threat

The incident took place amid heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints through which a significant portion of global oil and trade shipments pass.

As military activity and regional hostilities continue to escalate, attacks on commercial vessels have become an increasing concern for countries whose citizens serve aboard international shipping fleets. India has maintained that protecting seafarers and ensuring freedom of navigation must remain a priority while calling for diplomacy and dialogue to restore stability in the region.