India has strongly condemned attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the coast of Oman, and summoned US diplomatic official Jason Meeks to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.
According to the MEA, this was the second time within 48 hours that Meeks was called in, amid reports that three ships were attacked within three days in international waters. The ministry said three Indians were killed in what it described as a tragic and avoidable loss of life.
In its statement, the MEA expressed deep concern over strikes that disrupt shipping and said such actions are unacceptable. It warned that the incidents undermine the safety, resilience and stability of international maritime trade in a strategically important region.
India urged the US official to convey New Delhi’s concerns to his authorities and pressed for steps to ensure that forces operating in the area take all necessary measures to prevent civilian casualties.
