3 days, 3 ship attacks: India says seafarers' welfare is of 'highest importance', seeks 'immediate de-escalation'

A series of strikes on vessels off the coast of Oman has pulled Indian seafarers into the latest phase of the US-Iran confrontation.

According to the Hindustan Times, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer, the Palau-flagged Settebello, and the Palau-flagged MT Marivex were attacked over three days, with the US Central Command saying on Wednesday that it fired two Hellfire missiles into Jalveer’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with US directions.

Three Indian sailors on board Settebello were killed, while all 24 Indian crew members aboard Marivex were rescued.

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A rather scorched affair at sea

The most recent incident involved MT Jalveer, where smoke was reported from the engine room before evacuation to Oman’s Shinas port began.

The Indian embassy in Oman said the crew’s evacuation was being coordinated with the Royal Navy of Oman. 20 Indian sailors were on board and were safe.

CENTCOM said the ship was acting to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman, a claim that places the attack in the wider US effort to enforce restrictions on Iranian shipping.

The affair turns far grimmer

The previous strike, on the Palau-flagged Settebello, proved deadlier.

Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said three Indian seafarers initially reported missing were later found dead after their bodies were located and identified.

He called the loss a “profound loss to our maritime family” and said the government was committed to supporting the victims’ next of kin. The vessel had 24 Indian crew members on board. The US military said it had “disabled” the ship after it “failed to comply” with directions from American forces.

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The diplomatic gloves come off

India has condemned the attacks and pressed for restraint. The Ministry of External Affairs said it was deeply concerned about the safety of Indian sailors, adding, "We attach the highest importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafaring community,” and “These attacks must cease.”

The ministry also said it had summoned the US charge d’affaires after the strike on Settebello and called for “an immediate de-escalation” and the restoration of “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce” through the waterways in the region.

FAQs

Q1: Why were Indian-crewed ships attacked near Oman?

Ans: According to the US military, the vessels failed to comply with directions from American forces, while one ship was allegedly involved in transporting Iranian oil.

Q2: How did India respond to the Oman ship attacks?

Ans: India condemned the attacks, summoned the US charge d'affaires, and called for de-escalation and safe maritime navigation in the region.