India summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi on Wednesday after three Indian nationals went missing following an American strike on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of Indian citizens in the region and has prompted a strong diplomatic response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA expresses deep concern
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the MEA stated, "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 emphasized that the safety of Indian nationals is of paramount importance and called for immediate steps to locate the missing individuals.
Details of the incident
The attack occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. The US Navy confirmed that its forces conducted a strike on a vessel suspected of hostile activity. However, the exact circumstances leading to the disappearance of the three Indians remain unclear. The MEA has urged the US to provide full cooperation in the investigation.
- The missing individuals are believed to be crew members of the targeted ship.
- Indian officials are in touch with US authorities to ascertain their whereabouts.
- This incident adds to a series of maritime attacks in the region since the start of the conflict.
Diplomatic escalation
The summoning of the US diplomat underscores India's displeasure over the incident. Sources indicate that the Indian government expects a thorough inquiry and accountability. The MEA's statement also highlighted the broader implications for regional stability, noting that such attacks endanger innocent lives and disrupt global trade.
The US embassy in New Delhi has not yet issued a formal response. However, diplomatic channels remain active to resolve the matter swiftly.
