India lodges strong protest over attacks on ships near Oman after death of 3 Indian seafarers
India has strongly condemned the recent attack on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman that resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers and has lodged a formal protest with the United States over the continuing attacks on shipping in the region.
Addressing an inter-ministerial media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires to register a strong protest over the incident. He described the repeated attacks on commercial shipping as deeply concerning and linked them to the ongoing regional conflict.
Jaiswal stressed the need for immediate de-escalation and called for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the Gulf region.
Providing an update on the situation, Additional Secretary (Gulf Division) Aseem R. Mahajan said the government is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and remains focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in the region. He said Indian embassies and consulates are operating round-the-clock helplines and maintaining close coordination with local authorities.
Mahajan informed that the vessel MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was targeted off the Oman coast on June 8. He said all crew members were successfully rescued and are expected to return to India shortly.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also expressed concern over the recent maritime security incidents. Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said the government is in constant touch with the families of the deceased seafarers and is providing all necessary support.
He announced that the Seamen Welfare Fund Society has been directed to provide an ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the three deceased Indian crew members.
Mangal further revealed that another vessel, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, was involved in a maritime security incident near Oman’s Shinas Port on Thursday. The ship had 20 Indian crew members on board, all of whom were reported safe. Evacuation efforts are currently underway.
Meanwhile, the government sought to reassure citizens over essential supplies amid concerns arising from tensions in the Gulf region.
Additional Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers Aparna S. Sharma said fertilizer availability remains stable across the country. She highlighted that India has secured urea imports from Oman, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia, Egypt and the Netherlands, ensuring uninterrupted supply for the agricultural sector.
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said supplies of crude oil, petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas remain stable, with domestic refineries operating at peak capacity. She urged citizens not to engage in panic buying and assured that adequate fuel stocks are available across the country.
The government reiterated that it is continuously reviewing the evolving situation in the Gulf and taking all necessary measures to safeguard Indian citizens, seafarers and critical supplies.
