India seeks US explanation after 3 sailors go missing in Oman vessel attack

New Delhi: India has formally lodged a demarche with the United States, seeking clarification over the disappearance of three Indian crew members aboard a commercial vessel that was attacked off the coast of Oman on June 10.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US diplomat Jason Meeks for a meeting lasting about 30 minutes at its headquarters in New Delhi and issued a statement condemning the attack.

India stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia must cease immediately and called for the restoration of safe and unrestricted navigation through international waterways.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard, 21 have been rescued, while three remain unaccounted for,” the MEA said.

The incident occurred two days after another Palau-flagged vessel carrying 24 Indian nationals reportedly came under attack by the US Navy while attempting to bypass the American blockade of Iranian ports.

According to the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely coordinating with local authorities and monitoring ongoing search-and-rescue efforts for the missing sailors.

“The repeated attacks on shipping in the region are deeply concerning and are a direct consequence of the continuing conflict,” the ministry said.

Reiterating its call for peace, India urged all sides to de-escalate tensions and pursue a diplomatic resolution. “We call for an immediate reduction in hostilities and the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations so that peace and stability can be restored in the region,” the statement added.

The attack comes amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel. Israel recently carried out airstrikes in western and central Iran following Iranian missile attacks on northern Israel.