India on Friday summoned US envoy Jason Meeks for the second time this week, after the third commercial ship with Indian crew members was attacked by the US Navy off the coast of Oman.
US Chargé d'Affaires (CdA) Jason Meeks was summoned by the Additional Secretary (Americas) of the India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), indicating its intent to step up its diplomatic response with a "strong protest" after the third such attack in four days.
The MEA again conveyed its concerns on civilian ship attacks, saying that these impacted the "safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time".
"The US Chargé d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that US forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life," it added.
The most recent attack was faced by the Guinea-Bissau-flagged asphalt tanker Jalveer on Thursday, which had been carring 20 Indian sailors, all of whom were evacuated after the US Navy fired Hellfire missiles to "disable" the vessel.
On the same day, the MEA had summoned CdA Meeks to lodge a complaint on the attacks, which strongly objected to the attacks on two Indian-crewed vessels earlier this week—the Marivex and the Settebello.
While all crew members of the Marivex were evacuated from the vessel in time, the attack on the Settebello led to three sailors going missing, who were later confirmed dead.
This has also led to backlash for the Central Command (CENTCOM) of the US Navy, which wrote on X that the three vessels had been in violation of its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, but later posted that the waterway was open for transit to vessels "not violating the blockade".
Government on highest alert
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Thursday said that the Centre had issued the highest alert for the safety of the Indian mariners, who are one of the most affected among seafarers caught in the three-month-long war in the Gulf.
Apart from the alerts for Indian seafarers serving onboard Indian and foreign-flagged vessels moving through conflict-affected waters, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) also advised vessel operators, ship managers and shipping companies to adhere strictly to prevailing maritime security protocols, and constantly monitor advisories issued by the MoPSW and other relevant authorities.
The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society is also ready to extend eligible welfare benefits, financial assistance and other support measures to affected seafarers and their families as required.
