India on Wednesday summoned Jason Meeks, the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States, to formally protest the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman. The move follows India's strong condemnation of the incident involving the vessel Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. While 21 Indians have been successfully rescued, three remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.
Diplomatic Action
Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu summoned the US Charge d'Affaires to convey India's protest over the attack on the ship. India reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, protection of commercial shipping, and restoration of safe navigation in international waters.
Official Statement
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: "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. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation."
The statement further noted that the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. "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 targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest," the statement added.
Background of the Incident
The Indian Embassy in Oman earlier said it is closely monitoring the situation involving the vessel off the coast of Oman and is in contact with local authorities. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a fire broke out aboard a tanker approximately 37 kilometres (20 nautical miles) northeast of Sohar, Oman. According to UKMTO, the fire originated in the vessel's engine room and resulted in one casualty, though no further details were provided.
This attack comes after a Palau-flagged tanker was hit on Monday, and 24 Indian crew members were rescued. Earlier on Tuesday, India expressed gratitude to the Omani government for its excellent support in rescuing the 24 Indian crew members from the Palau-flagged tanker, MT Marivex, which caught fire after being attacked by the US Navy off the coast of Oman. The vessel caught fire after it was hit by a US missile on Monday.
"Our embassy, for the rescue purpose, contacted the Omani authorities, who swung into action. We are grateful to the Omani government for its excellent support in rescuing the crew and ensuring their safety. Our mission continues to be in touch with the seafarers," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.
