India summons top US diplomat over attack on commercial vessel at coast of Oman

The Ministry of External Affairs has reportedly summoned top United States Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks over an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, near the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, after three Indian crew members were found dead. 

On Monday, 24 Indian seafarers were onboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT Marivex when a fire broke out south of the Strait of Hormuz. While 21 crew members were rescued, three Indian nationals had remained missing. 

Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Oman stated that it has learnt of an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon," it had written on X. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and confirmed that 21 Indian crew members had been rescued, while three others were still missing, in a statement saying "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 3 Indians are reportedly missing.’

The statement further added, “Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation." 

It added that 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 targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest," the statement said.

After the incident, diplomat Jason Meeks of the US was summoned by Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary of MEA, as per reports.