3 Indians missing after Oman tanker attack; India summons US charge d’affaires

India on Wednesday summoned Jason Meeks, Charge d’Affaires of the United States, to protest an attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that three Indian crew members remain missing following the incident.

The move came as India condemned the attack on the tanker, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. While 21 Indians have been rescued, efforts are continuing to locate the remaining three.

Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs, summoned Meeks and conveyed India's concerns over the attack amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

In a statement, the MEA said it strongly condemned the strike on the vessel near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman," the ministry said.

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It added that the Indian Embassy in Muscat "is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation."

The ministry also expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on commercial shipping in the region and renewed its call for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region," the MEA said.

"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," it added.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, the US Central Command confirmed that the US forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel violated the naval blockade.

"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces," the post stated.

Earlier, British maritime security company Vanguard Tech said the Palau-flagged tanker had transmitted a distress call after its engine room was hit.

"The tanker transmitted a distress call stating that its engine room had been struck by a missile," the company said.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported the incident, saying local authorities were assisting with the evacuation of the crew after a fire broke out in the vessel's engine room.

"Local authorities have reported a tanker has experienced a fire in their engine room and are on the scene assisting with the evacuation of the crew," it said.

According to maritime authorities, one casualty has been reported, while two crew members remain missing. No environmental impact has been detected so far.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was in close contact with local authorities and monitoring developments.

"We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman. We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon," the embassy said in a post on X.

The latest attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where the United States has carried out airstrikes against Iran and Tehran has responded with missile attacks targeting Gulf countries.