India on Wednesday summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, to formally protest the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, an incident that left three Indian crew members missing.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas), summoned the US diplomat as India condemned the attack and expressed concern over the continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region.
Also read: 3 Indians missing after strike on commercial vessel off Oman coast
Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard the vessel, 21 have been rescued while three remain missing, according to the ministry.
India also reiterated its call for de-escalation, protection of commercial shipping and the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.
Attack off Oman coast
The MEA said three Indians were reportedly missing following the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman.
The statement came shortly after Reuters reported that two crew members were missing and one person was injured after what maritime security sources said was likely a US missile strike on a tanker near Oman.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency, the Palau-flagged chemical and oil products tanker reported an engine room fire about 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman's port of Sohar.
Reuters, citing British maritime risk management group Vanguard, identified the vessel as the Settebello and reported that the Omani Navy responded to its distress call. British maritime security firm Ambrey told Reuters that the incident was likely linked to US operations aimed at blocking Iranian ports, while another maritime security source said the vessel was likely struck by a US missile. An official statement from the US Central Command was awaited.
The MEA described the continuing attacks on shipping in the region as deeply worrisome and said they were a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Also read: India-crewed tanker hit near Iran, MEA says communication between ship & US Navy preceded strike
Search operation underway
The MEA said India's Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
"Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation," the ministry said.
Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Oman said it was in close touch with local authorities and monitoring developments.
The latest incident comes a day after the Indian Coast Guard said 24 Indian crew members aboard a Palau-flagged merchant tanker had been rescued in coordination with Omani authorities following a missile attack off the Omani coast.
Reiterating India's position, the MEA called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
"The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest," the ministry said.
