India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States following an attack on the commercial tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman, an incident that left several Indian sailors unaccounted for and heightened concerns about the safety of Indian nationals working aboard merchant vessels in the increasingly volatile Gulf region.
The protest was conveyed after the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Jason Meeks in New Delhi. The meeting was conducted by Nagaraj Naidu, who formally communicated India's concerns regarding the strike and its consequences for Indian crew members onboard the vessel.
According to the MEA, the tanker was carrying a total crew of 28 people, including 24 Indian nationals. Following rescue operations, 21 Indian crew members were safely recovered, while three Indians remained missing. Indian authorities said efforts to locate the missing sailors were continuing in coordination with local agencies and Omani authorities.
In its official statement, the Indian government condemned the attack and expressed deep concern over the growing dangers faced by civilian merchant shipping in the region. The ministry noted that India's embassy in Oman was closely monitoring developments and actively assisting search-and-rescue efforts being carried out by local authorities.
The incident gained further significance after the United States Central Command publicly confirmed that American forces had targeted the vessel. According to CENTCOM, the Palau-flagged tanker was disabled during an operation linked to ongoing US maritime enforcement measures against Iran-related shipping activities.
The US military stated that a precision strike was carried out against the vessel's engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with repeated instructions issued by American forces. According to the statement, the strike occurred during the vessel's transit through the Gulf of Oman and was intended to disable rather than sink the ship.
The Settebello, a chemical and oil products tanker registered under the flag of Palau, subsequently reported a fire in its engine room while operating approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, a major port city in Oman. Following the distress call, the Omani Navy launched rescue operations and assisted surviving crew members.
Maritime security analysts and private monitoring agencies indicated that the incident was likely connected to the broader US effort to enforce restrictions on vessels suspected of engaging in trade linked to Iran. Security consultancy firms monitoring regional shipping activity suggested the strike formed part of the maritime blockade measures that have been implemented amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The attack comes at a time when commercial shipping routes in the Gulf region are facing unprecedented security challenges. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy corridors, handling a substantial portion of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to shipping in the area has immediate implications for international energy markets and global trade.
Since the imposition of maritime restrictions earlier this year, American forces have reportedly intercepted, inspected, redirected, or disabled multiple vessels suspected of violating blockade measures. The region has consequently witnessed a sharp increase in maritime security incidents involving commercial shipping.
The Settebello incident follows another recent case involving the tanker Marivex, which was reportedly disabled in the Gulf of Oman after allegedly attempting to proceed toward an Iranian port. Together, these incidents have intensified concerns among shipping companies, maritime insurers, and governments whose nationals serve aboard commercial vessels operating in the region.
India's response reflects not only concern over the immediate fate of its citizens but also broader worries about the safety of merchant shipping amid rising geopolitical tensions. The country has a large number of seafarers employed across international shipping fleets, making maritime security a matter of significant national interest.
The Indian government has therefore reiterated its call for restraint and diplomatic engagement. Stressing the need to avoid further escalation, New Delhi urged all parties involved in regional disputes to pursue negotiations and peaceful solutions. Officials warned that continued military actions affecting civilian shipping could create additional risks for innocent crew members and further destabilise already fragile maritime trade routes.
As rescue operations continue for the three missing Indian sailors, Indian authorities remain in close contact with Omani officials and international agencies involved in the search effort. The incident is likely to remain a significant issue in India-US diplomatic discussions, particularly given the direct impact on Indian nationals and the broader implications for maritime safety in the Gulf.
