India Protests US Navy Strikes That Killed 3 Sailors, June 13

Three Indian sailors died after the US Navy struck commercial vessels off Oman’s coast over four days. India summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission and lodged formal protests, calling the attacks on merchant ships “deeply worrisome.” The strikes occurred as tensions escalate over US blockade enforcement in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing Middle East conflict.

What Happened to the Ships

Three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew came under attack near Oman between June 10 and June 12, 2026. The tanker MT Settebello was hit by US forces on June 10, killing three Indian sailors identified as Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, and Fitter Shivanand Chaurashiya. Two other ships, MT Marivex and MT Jalveer, were also struck. A total of 65 Indian crew members were rescued or evacuated across all three incidents. The US said the vessels were violating its blockade on Iranian ports and failed to comply with repeated instructions.

India’s Diplomatic Response

India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 12, reiterating India’s “strong protest” at the attacks. India summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission to demand an explanation. Jaishankar stated that “lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.” India described the strikes as “deeply worrisome” and asserted that such attacks must cease.

Political Blame and Competing Accusations

Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on the deaths. Gandhi said Modi should speak out when any foreign power kills Indians. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks on Indian ships, calling it “totally unacceptable.” Iran rejected Trump’s allegation as “baseless” and blamed the US for attacking the three Indian vessels and killing the sailors.

Broader Context of Middle East Tensions

The attacks occurred as the US maintains a naval blockade on Iranian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a peace deal with the US had “never been closer” but urged media to avoid speculation until finalized. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors, with a significant portion of global oil trade passing through the region. Any military activity there poses risks to commercial vessels and international trade.

Final Thoughts

India’s formal protests signal a rare diplomatic friction with the US over civilian casualties in a contested maritime zone. The incident highlights the risks faced by merchant sailors in conflict regions and the need for clearer rules on commercial shipping during military operations.

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