Tanker strike in Gulf of Oman sparks diplomatic row between US and India
Illustrative photo: tanker strike (Getty Images)
India's Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, said that three Indian sailors were killed following a US strike on the tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. New Delhi has lodged an official protest with Washington, according to the US Central Command.
US strikes tanker in Gulf of Oman
US forces struck the oil tanker Settebello, which was sailing under the flag of Palau, in the Gulf of Oman. The operation was announced by the US Central Command on June 9.
According to the US military, the vessel violated a maritime blockade and was attempting to transport Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
The command said the strike targeted the tanker's engine room after the crew refused to comply with orders issued by US forces.
The official US statement did not mention any fatalities or injuries on board.
India confirms sailors' deaths
On June 11, India's Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, said that three Indian nationals had been killed in the attack.
The sailors were initially reported missing, but their bodies were later recovered and identified.
According to Indian authorities, 24 Indian sailors were on board the tanker. Twenty-one people were rescued. Sonowal described the incident as a tragedy.
New Delhi protests to Washington
Following confirmation of the deaths of the three citizens, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks.
Indian officials conveyed a strong protest to the American diplomat and demanded an explanation regarding the circumstances of the attack on the tanker that resulted in the deaths of Indian nationals.
Exchanges of strikes between the US and Iran have continued for a second consecutive day. The latest round of attacks took place overnight on June 11 amid ongoing tensions surrounding the negotiation process and the lack of progress toward an agreement between the two sides.
