India on Wednesday confirmed that three of its nationals went missing in the attack on commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Sohar, Oman. There were 24 Indian crew members aboard and 21 of them have been rescued.
The tanker was allegedly struck by a US missile, according to Reuters. In an X post, the US military said on Wednesday that it fired precision munitions into the engine room of an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, disabling the vessel, after the crew failed to comply with directions from American forces.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and 03 Indians are reportedly missing," the MEA said.
Since US ambassodor Sergio Gor was not in New Delhi, the MEA on Wednesday summoned US charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to protest over the attack.
The MEA said the Indian embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities in the search and rescue operation.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region," the ministry added.
Urging to de-escalate tensions and conclude the US-Iran negotiations, India said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end.
"Free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest," the MEA said.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard rescued 24 Indian crew members who were stranded after a Palau-flagged merchant tanker was attacked by a missile off the coast of Oman.
