India on Wednesday summoned a senior US diplomat to register a strong protest after an attack on a commercial vessel carrying several Indian crew members off the coast of Oman. Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs, summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, to convey India's condemnation of the attack on the ship Settebello.
Details of the Incident
The commercial vessel Settebello came under attack near Oman's coastline, endangering the lives of its 24 Indian crew members. In a swift response, rescue operations managed to save 21 of the crew, while three remain missing. The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the safety of its citizens and the broader implications for maritime security.
India's Stance
During the meeting, India reiterated its call for de-escalation of tensions in the region, emphasizing the need to protect commercial shipping and restore safe navigation in international waters. The attack has raised alarms about the security of sea lanes, which are vital for global trade.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India expects all nations to uphold international law and ensure the safety of merchant vessels. The summoning of the US diplomat underscores the seriousness with which India views incidents that threaten the lives of its citizens and disrupt maritime commerce.
This is a breaking story, and further updates are awaited as investigations continue into the circumstances of the attack.
