India has summoned the top US diplomat in Delhi after a vessel carrying Indian crew was attacked on Wednesday off the Oman coast.
Ministry of External Affairs summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to protest the attack on the ship.
At least three Indians are missing after the commercial ship, Settebello, was attacked off the coast, with the Indian Embassy saying that it is “monitoring the situation.” This comes after earlier this week with 24 Indian seafarers onboard.
Of the 24 Indian crew onboard the vessel, 21 Indians have been rescued, and three Indians are reportedly missing, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Our statement on the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman ⬇️https://t.co/w405oJsHmZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia)
“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the MEA added.
India has condemned the continued attacks on ships in the region and said the recent developments are “deeply worrisome,” adding that attacks are a “direct result” of the ongoing conflict in Wes Asia between US-Israel and Iran.
The tensions in West Asia flared up after Israel and Iran exchanged strikes on Monday and United States also launched attacks against Tehran after a US Army’s Apache helicopter was shot down by Iranian military.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and 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 external affairs ministry added.
