New Delhi condemns strike as search and rescue efforts continue in Arabian Sea
Three Indian seafarers remain missing after an attack on a commercial oil products tanker off the coast of Oman, while 21 other Indian crew members have been rescued, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MEA condemned the attack on the tanker Settebello and said Indian authorities were closely monitoring developments. The ministry confirmed that 24 Indian nationals were on board the vessel at the time of the incident.
“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing,” the ministry said.
India’s embassy in Oman is coordinating with Omani authorities as search and rescue operations continue for the missing crew members
The incident has triggered diplomatic concerns after maritime officials reported that the tanker was struck in what is believed to have been a US missile attack. The vessel was operating off the Omani coast when it came under fire.
Meanwhile, India summoned Jason Meeks, the chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in New Delhi, to formally protest the attack. Sources in the External Affairs Ministry said the senior American diplomat was called in to explain the circumstances surrounding the strike on the commercial vessel.
Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had disabled an oil tanker late on Tuesday after it allegedly breached a maritime blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. The statement did not immediately provide further details regarding the crew or the operation.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in regional waters, where commercial shipping has increasingly become entangled in broader geopolitical disputes. Authorities have not yet released information on the condition of the rescued crew members.
Search efforts for the three missing Indian seafarers remain ongoing, with Indian and Omani officials continuing to monitor the situation closely.
