India Summons US Diplomat, Condemns Tanker Attack Near Oman That Killed 3 Citizens

New Delhi: On Thursday, India condemned the vessel attack, off the coast of Oman. Three Indian were killed in the attack. Following this, India summoned US Charge d'affaires in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest. India also called for an immediate return to dialogue and diplomacy amid escalating tensions in the West Asia region.

What MEA Spokesperson had said?

In a media briefing, Randheer Jaiswal, Spokesperson, Ministry of external affairs, indicated upon the continuous attacks. He addressed that the attacks on commercial shipping in the West Asia region are deeply worrisome. He also linked them to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Jaiswal quoted, "We condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals. 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," he added in the following remarks.

What the background?

As per Indian authorities, all crew members aboard MT Marivex were rescued when the vessel was hit. Those seafarers are expected to return to India on Thursday. These remarks were delivered following an attack on three foreign flagged vessels near Oman.

What Ministry of Shipping and Ports had informed?

Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that there were no casualties and injuries were reported on MT Jalveer and evacuation of crew member had begun.

Mangal added, "On June 11, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, a bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, was reportedly involved in a maritime security incident in the vicinity of Shinas port, Oman. The vessel has 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are reported to be safe,".

He continued that evacuation to Shinas port was on process and the government was coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy and other stakeholders connected to the matter.

The ministry also informed that there are 13 Indian-flagged vessels are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. However 562 Indian seafarers are serving are serving aboard Indian-flagged ships across the gulf.