India outraged over deaths of three citizens; summons US envoy again

New Delhi: India has adopted a firm stance following the tragic deaths of three Indian sailors in a US attack on a ship. US diplomat Jason Meeks was summoned to New Delhi, where a strong protest was lodged during a 40-minute meeting.

What stance has India taken?

India has taken a stern position following the deaths of three Indian sailors in an attack on a commercial vessel near the coast of Oman. Expressing strong objection to this grave incident involving the loss of lives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks to register a strong protest. This marks the second time in just a few days that India has summoned a US diplomat.

Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) at the MEA, summoned Jason Meeks. The meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes, during which India expressed its strong indignation regarding the attack on the commercial vessel and the resulting deaths of three Indians. As the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, was currently out of Delhi, Jason Meeks was summoned to receive this diplomatic protest in his place.
US attacks on ships; Timeline: June 8: Ship 'Maryvex' targeted in a US attack; 24 Indian crew members rescued.
June 9: Attack on 'MT Cetebello'; 3 Indians killed, 21 rescued.
June 10: US CdA Meeks summoned.
June 11: Attack on 'MT Jalveer'; 20 Indian crew members rescued.
June 12: US CdA Meeks summoned.

What led to the recent controversy? 

The recent controversy primarily stems from attacks on three commercial vessels that had large numbers of Indian crew members on board. Attack and fatalities on 'Settebello': On Wednesday, this Palau-flagged tanker was targeted near the port of Sohar, Oman. According to international reports, a missile fired by the US military caused a fire in the ship's engine room. There were 24 Indians on board. Three Indian sailors lost their lives in this horrific attack, while 21 were rescued.
Attack on 'MT Marivex': Earlier, on Monday, another tanker, 'MT Marivex', was also attacked by the US Navy. That ship also carried 24 Indian sailors, who were safely evacuated.
Attack on MT Jalveer: The latest incident involves the Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship MT Jalveer. US Central Command stated that it disabled the MT Jalveer, alleging it was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of sanctions imposed against Iran. The Command stated that a US aircraft struck the ship's engine room after the crew 'repeatedly failed to comply with US military instructions.'

Following the attack on this tanker near the Omani port, the 22 Indians on board were safely evacuated on Thursday. This marks the third incident in four days where the US military has attacked merchant vessels with Indian crews near the coast of Oman.
India's firm stance: With the loss of Indian lives, this diplomatic dispute has taken a very serious turn. Strongly condemning these attacks, the Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that incidents targeting commercial shipping and innocent civilians will not be tolerated. India has demanded that free and safe movement in international waterways be ensured.