India on Wednesday summoned Jason Meeks, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi, to lodge a formal protest over an attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members near Oman.
Nagaraj
Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), will convey India’s concerns during the meeting amid escalating tensions in West Asia and growing threats to international shipping routes.
Also Read | Two Attacks In 3 Days: What We Know About Strikes On Tankers Carrying Indian Crew Off Oman
Commercial Vessel Attacked Off Oman; 3 Indians Missing
The diplomatic démarche followed an attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman earlier on Wednesday. Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard, 21 have been rescued, while three remain missing.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities involved in the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel reported one casualty and two missing persons. The British maritime monitoring agency also said local authorities had reported a fire in the ship’s engine room.
India Calls For De-escalation
Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region, the MEA said repeated attacks on commercial shipping were a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” the ministry said.
India also renewed its call for an immediate reduction in hostilities and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the statement added.
The MEA further stressed that commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and called for the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.
“Targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” it said.
Second Incident In Two Days
The latest attack came just two days after a Palau-flagged vessel carrying 24 Indian crew members reportedly came under attack by the US Navy while attempting to evade a blockade around Iranian ports.
The incidents have unfolded against the backdrop of renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel. Hours before the attack off Oman, Israel carried out air strikes in western and central Iran after Tehran launched missiles towards northern Israel, further raising fears of a wider regional conflict affecting global shipping lanes.
