New Delhi Lodges Second Protest in One Week
India has summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi for the second time in a week after attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.
According to official sources, Jason Meeks, the charge d’affaires of the US diplomatic mission, was called to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Friday.
India lodged a protest over attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew members amid rising tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest diplomatic move came after India had already summoned the same US diplomat earlier in the week.
New Delhi’s repeated protest shows growing concern over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global oil shipments. Any military action in this area can affect trade, energy prices and commercial shipping.
Three Indian Seafarers Killed in Earlier Strike
The Indian government said at least three Indian nationals were killed after US forces targeted vessels off the coast of Oman.
Indian officials said the vessels were foreign-flagged but had Indian seafarers on board.
The US Central Command said American forces disabled the Guinea-Bissau-flagged M/T Jalveer and the Palau-flagged tankers M/T Marivex and M/T Settebello.
CENTCOM said the vessels were targeted for allegedly trying to transport Iranian oil and failing to comply with US instructions.
The deaths of Indian crew members have created serious diplomatic pressure between New Delhi and Washington.
India has one of the world’s largest maritime workforces. Thousands of Indian seafarers serve on international commercial vessels, including tankers operating through high-risk routes.
For India, the issue is not only diplomatic. It is also about the safety of civilians working at sea.
Hormuz Tensions Raise Maritime Security Concerns
The attacks come amid a wider blockade and military pressure linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM has said US forces have disabled several non-compliant vessels since the blockade began. It also said many ships were redirected after following instructions, while humanitarian vessels were allowed to pass.
The growing military activity has increased concern among shipping companies, crew families and governments with citizens working on commercial vessels.
India is expected to keep pressing for clearer safeguards for its seafarers.
The latest summons also signals that New Delhi does not want civilian maritime workers to become casualties in a widening regional conflict.
Commercial shipping near Oman and the Strait of Hormuz now faces greater uncertainty.
The situation may also increase insurance costs, delay cargo movement and force shipping companies to reconsider routes.
As tensions continue, India’s main demand remains the protection of its nationals and the safe movement of commercial vessels through international waters.
The repeated diplomatic protest shows how quickly military action in the Gulf can affect countries beyond the immediate conflict zone.
