US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has informed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that all commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz must comply with directives issued by US forces. The remarks came during a phone call in which Jaishankar lodged India's strong protest over recent US military actions that killed three Indian mariners near Oman.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The developments have triggered a diplomatic row between the two countries amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. India has expressed deep concern over the loss of life and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
US Stance on Maritime Security
Rubio emphasized the importance of maritime security in the strategic waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies transit. He reiterated that US forces are authorized to enforce compliance with international navigation rules and security measures.
India, however, has maintained that its vessels operate within international law and that the use of force against commercial shipping is unacceptable. The Indian government is reviewing its maritime protocols in the region and has called for de-escalation.
The incident underscores the fragile security situation in the Gulf, where tensions between the US and Iran have often spilled over into disruptions of commercial shipping. India, a major importer of oil from the region, has a vested interest in ensuring safe passage for its vessels.
