Public anger over the deaths of three Indian sailors in a US military strike off the coast of Oman has spilt onto the streets of Delhi, where auto-rickshaw drivers have been seen tearing down posters of US President Donald Trump from their vehicles.
Videos circulating widely on social media show drivers removing and ripping apart Trump-themed banners that were installed as part of a US Embassy public outreach initiative. The demonstrations come days after three Indian crew members were killed aboard the tanker MT Settebello during a US operation in the Gulf of Oman, an incident that has already prompted strong diplomatic protests from New Delhi.
Outreach campaign faces unexpected backlash
According to News 18, the posters were part of the US Embassy's "#Freedom250" campaign, launched to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. As part of the initiative, around 100 auto-rickshaws across Delhi carried banners featuring Trump, the American flag and messages such as "Happy Birthday America".
What began as a cultural outreach effort has now become a focal point of public anger following the deaths of Indian sailors in the Gulf region.
Several videos show drivers pulling down the posters while bystanders cheer. In some clips, drivers can be heard expressing outrage over the loss of Indian lives and questioning the presence of promotional material linked to the United States.
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Deaths at sea trigger outrage
According to News 18, the protests stem from the deaths of three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, which was struck by US forces near Oman. Indian authorities confirmed the deaths and subsequently lodged strong diplomatic protests with Washington.
The incident has generated widespread debate across India, with opposition leaders and maritime organisations demanding accountability and stronger action to protect Indian seafarers working in conflict-prone regions.
India has also raised concerns over multiple incidents involving vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters.
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The US Embassy in New Delhi reportedly paid auto-rickshaw drivers to display “Freedom 250” posters featuring the US flag and Donald Trump.
— RB. (@KailashVashi) June 14, 2026
Now, many drivers are said to be removing those posters in protest after reports of Indian sailors being killed by the US.
Public sentiment… pic.twitter.com/mZV8mCMCe0
Diplomatic tensions remain in focus
The controversy surrounding the posters reflects broader public frustration over the deaths and the growing risks faced by Indian sailors operating in West Asian waters.
While the US Embassy has not publicly commented on the poster removals, the campaign has clearly become entangled in a rapidly escalating diplomatic issue. India has twice summoned senior US diplomatic officials to register its objections over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew.
