India on Friday summoned United States Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over what it described as continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, incidents that have already claimed the lives of three Indian nationals.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the US diplomat was called to the ministry earlier in the day, where India’s concerns regarding the attacks were formally conveyed.
“A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the MEA said.
The ministry expressed deep concern over the use of force against civilian shipping, stressing that such actions threaten maritime safety and stability in a strategically important region.
“The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time,” the statement added.
India urged the United States to take immediate measures to safeguard civilian vessels and prevent any further loss of life. The MEA said the US Charge d’Affaires was asked to convey New Delhi’s concerns directly to American authorities and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken by US forces operating in the region.
“The U.S. Charge d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that U.S. forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life,” the ministry stated.
The diplomatic protest comes a day after another commercial vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members reportedly came under attack in the region.
This development marks the second time the US mission has been summoned by the MEA over the escalating maritime security situation. The envoy was also called in by the Additional Secretary (Americas) to register India’s serious concerns over the incidents.
The escalation also represents New Delhi’s first public acknowledgement that the US Navy has directly targeted commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman.
