The United States has told India that violations of its Strait Of Hormuz blockade and the “illicit” transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated, days after missile strikes on commercial vessels near
Oman killed three Indian sailors and triggered strong protest from New Delhi.
The latest exchange between the two countries came after India formally protested the attacks on ships carrying Indian crew members and summoned a representative from the US Embassy.
What Marco Rubio said?
On June 12, India lodged a “strong protest” over the missile attacks and summoned US Embassy representative Jason Meeks. Following the protest, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Details of the conversation were released by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. According to the statement, Rubio and Jaishankar discussed recent developments in the strategically important waterway.
The statement said Rubio stressed that all commercial vessels should immediately comply with instructions issued by US forces operating in the region. He also underlined that violations of the American blockade and the “illicit transport of Iranian oil” would not be accepted.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke yesterday with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two officials discussed recent events in the Strait of Hormuz. The Secretary stressed that all commercial vessels should immediately comply with orders from U.S. forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the Strait. He underscored that violations of the U.S. blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott’s statement said .
India Reiterates US Objections
After the conversation, Jaishankar shared details of his position on X and reiterated India’s concerns over the attacks on commercial shipping.
“I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” he said.
India’s response came amid growing concern over the safety of Indian sailors operating in the Gulf region following the recent incidents.
3 India-Linked Vessels Came Under US Attack
The discussion between the two leaders followed US missile strikes on three vessels operating near the Oman coast.
The ships involved were Marivex near Duqm, and Settebello and Jalveer near Shinas. The attacks resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers.
According to the US State Department, Rubio also told Jaishankar that commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz must follow instructions from US forces as part of efforts to maintain peace and security in the area.
Meeting Between Modi And Trump Ahead
The differences between Washington and New Delhi over the handling of the Strait of Hormuz situation have surfaced just ahead of a scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
According to a White House statement, the two leaders are expected to meet in France on the sidelines of the G7 summit next week.
The upcoming talks are likely to take place against the backdrop of continuing tensions over the recent attacks and the broader dispute surrounding Iranian oil shipments through the region.
