India objects US strikes on Indian sailors
Indian seafarers are among those most directly exposed to the line of fire in the Strait of Hormuz
India on Thursday registered a strong diplomatic protest with the United States over repeated attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, asserting that the safety of Indian seafarers must not be compromised amid escalating tensions in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the US chargé d’affaires and conveyed New Delhi’s concerns following a series of strikes on merchant vessels that have placed Indian sailors at risk. The move came amid growing alarm over the deteriorating security situation along one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
“We have conveyed our deep concern regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals serving on these vessels. Attacks on commercial shipping must cease,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The protest follows the latest incident involving a tanker carrying Indian crew members in waters near the Gulf of Oman. The episode has intensified concerns in New Delhi, which has been closely monitoring the safety of hundreds of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region.
India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of merchant navy personnel, with thousands of Indian sailors employed on vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor through which a substantial portion of global crude oil trade passes. Any escalation in hostilities poses risks not only to Indian nationals but also to international shipping and energy supplies.
Officials said India has consistently advocated restraint and adherence to international maritime norms. The Government has also been in touch with relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess the situation and ensure assistance for Indian crew members affected by the recent incidents.
The latest diplomatic intervention underscores New Delhi’s increasing unease over the spillover effects of regional tensions on civilian shipping. While India has avoided taking sides in the broader geopolitical confrontation unfolding in the Gulf, it has repeatedly emphasised that merchant vessels and civilian sailors should not become collateral victims of military action.
India is expected to maintain pressure through diplomatic channels while seeking stronger safeguards for its seafarers navigating the region’s increasingly volatile waters.
