**India Summons US Envoy Following Attack on Ship with Indian Sailors Off Oman**
India has summoned a senior US diplomat after a US military strike targeted a Palau-flagged oil tanker carrying 24 Indian sailors off the coast of Oman, resulting in the disappearance of three Indian crew members. The incident, which occurred on June 10, 2026, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Jason Meeks, the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in New Delhi, was summoned to address the situation. The ministry expressed its condemnation of the violence and called for an immediate cessation of attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strike was described as a “precision” action against the vessel, named Settebello, which was reportedly transporting Iranian oil. CENTCOM claimed that the crew did not comply with instructions issued by US forces, leading to the military's decision to engage the ship. The tanker had reported an engine room fire approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman’s port of Sohar, prompting a distress call that was responded to by the Omani navy.
As a result of the incident, 21 Indian sailors were rescued, while three remain unaccounted for. The Indian government has stated that its embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is actively coordinating with Omani authorities in ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), condemned the attack, emphasizing that any action jeopardizing the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping is unacceptable. Dominguez expressed his thoughts for the families of the missing crew members, highlighting the broader implications of such incidents for maritime safety.
This attack has intensified scrutiny of the US naval blockade of Iran, which has been a contentious issue affecting relations between the US and its allies, including India. The blockade, initiated by former President Donald Trump in April 2026, aims to pressure Iran into compliance with US demands regarding its nuclear program and regional activities. However, the blockade has also led to negative repercussions for countries like India, which have maritime interests in the region.
The incident has sparked a political response in India, with opposition parties urging the government to take a firmer stance against the US following the attack. Critics have pointed to a perceived lack of adequate protest from the Indian government regarding previous incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the region, particularly in light of escalating tensions following the onset of the US-Israel conflict with Iran in late February 2026.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing sailors and diplomatic discussions between India and the US. The Indian government is under pressure to ensure the safety of its citizens at sea while navigating complex international relations amid rising geopolitical tensions.
As the situation develops, it underscores the fragile nature of maritime security in the Gulf region and the potential for diplomatic fallout between India and the US, which have historically maintained a strategic partnership. The outcome of this incident may have lasting implications for bilateral relations and regional stability.