Not once but twice: MEA protests US vessel strikes, summons diplomat Jason Meeks for second day

India on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second consecutive day to lodge a protest over continued strikes by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the attacks had resulted in the “tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives” and repeated its concern over the safety of civilian shipping in a region already under severe strain.

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Diplomatic feathers distinctly ruffled

According to the ministry, the protest was conveyed by the Additional Secretary (Americas) in New Delhi, who asked Meeks to pass on India’s objections to Washington and to ensure that US forces operating in the area take steps to prevent further civilian casualties.

The MEA said it had “once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping” and described such actions as a threat to “the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time.”

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Seafarers caught in uneasy seas

The latest summons follows Thursday’s protest after a strike on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman, in which three Indians were killed.

21 crew members were rescued from the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello. News On Air said the incident involved Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman.

The developments have sharpened New Delhi’s concerns about the security of Indian seafarers working on international shipping routes in West Asia.

The MEA said it wants all US military units in the region to take “all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life.” The protests come as India continues to monitor the risks facing merchant shipping in waters that are critical to global trade.

FAQs

Q1: Why did India summon US diplomat Jason Meeks again?

Ans: India summoned Jason Meeks to protest continued strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman.

Q2: How many Indians were killed in the vessel strike incident?

Ans: According to the Ministry of External Affairs, three Indian nationals were killed in the attack on a commercial vessel.