Kumar Bahukhandi
Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal briefs media-Photo credit (File Photo )
New Delhi : India has adopted a firm stance following attacks by the US Navy on commercial vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US diplomat Jason Meeks to register a strong protest. Conveying its concerns, India demanded that the US ensure the safety of civilians.
The Ministry of External Affairs has taken a significant and stern diplomatic step by summoning Jason Meeks, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission in India. During the meeting held at South Block, India registered its protest against the US Navy’s actions. The matter pertains to recent alleged attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman—vessels that had Indian sailors on board. Notably, Jason Meeks had also been summoned previously on Wednesday night.
Use of Lethal Force Against Civilian Vessels is Unacceptable
India has stated unequivocally that the use of such lethal force against civilian vessels is completely unacceptable. During the diplomatic discussions, the US side was clearly informed that such violent incidents pose a major threat to international maritime security and directly impact regional stability. India has urged the US to take concrete measures to prevent any future incidents that could result in harm to civilian lives.
Three Indians Killed in US Attack
It is worth noting that three Indian sailors tragically lost their lives in these US attacks. The Government of India has acknowledged that the US Navy targeted three vessels manned by Indian crews. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the attacks, stating that they were carried out by the US Navy. India remarked that the loss of civilian lives in this manner was entirely avoidable.
Three Vessels Attacked Within Four Days
The US military targeted three vessels in quick succession this week. The first attack occurred on June 8 against the Palau-flagged oil tanker ‘Marivex’, which had 24 Indian sailors on board. Although the vessel was completely disabled, everyone was rescued safely. The second attack took place on June 10 against another Palau-flagged tanker, ‘Setebello’; three of the 24 Indian sailors on board lost their lives in this incident. The third attack occurred on Thursday, June 11, targeting the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker ‘Jalveer’, which carried 20 Indian crew members.
Use of lethal force against civilians under the guise of sanctions is wrong
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that two of these vessels had been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), while another was not in compliance with regulations. This US agency is responsible for imposing sanctions on vessels involved in the sale of Iranian and Russian oil.
