India has lodged a strong protest with the United States following a series of military strikes on merchant vessels operating near Oman that were carrying Indian seafarers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned a senior US diplomat and expressed concern over the attacks, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members.
According to Indian officials, three merchant vessels with Indian seafarers on board were affected by the strikes in recent weeks. The incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of civilian shipping routes and the welfare of Indian nationals working in international maritime transport.
The MEA conveyed India’s position that commercial vessels and civilian crew members must not be endangered during military operations. Officials stressed that such attacks pose risks to global maritime trade and the lives of seafarers from various countries.
India urged the United States to exercise restraint and ensure that military actions do not impact civilian shipping. The government also called for greater protection of merchant vessels operating in international waters and sought a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances of the strikes.
The issue gained urgency after reports confirmed the deaths of three Indian sailors in one of the incidents. Indian authorities have been in contact with the families of the victims and are monitoring the situation closely.
The attacks occurred in a strategically important maritime region through which a significant share of global energy and trade shipments pass. Any disruption in the area could have wider implications for international commerce and shipping security.
India, one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime manpower, has consistently emphasized the need to safeguard seafarers working aboard commercial vessels. Thousands of Indian nationals serve on international cargo ships and tankers operating across global trade routes.
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