India Condemns US Attack on Merchant Ship Near Oman, Summons U.S. Diplomat

India has condemned an apparent U.S. military strike on a merchant tanker near Oman’s coast on June 13, 2024, and summoned the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to protest the incident, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The attack, which occurred amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, left two Indian sailors dead and a chief engineer missing, according to The Times of India and NDTV.

What Happened in the Oman Attack?

The U.S. Navy confirmed it conducted an operation near the Strait of Hormuz on June 13, targeting a vessel it claimed was linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. However, the ship, which carried Indian crew members, was reportedly struck by U.S. forces, according to video footage shared by The Hindu. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated the attack “constitutes a direct threat to merchant shipping,” emphasizing its commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The U.S. Department of Defense has not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident, but a spokesperson noted the operation was “in response to Iranian aggression.” India’s foreign ministry reiterated its “firm opposition to any attacks on merchant shipping,” citing a statement from June 14, 2024.

Why Is India Concerned About Merchant Shipping?

India’s focus on protecting merchant shipping reflects its reliance on maritime trade routes, particularly in the Middle East. The country’s foreign ministry highlighted the “serious implications for global trade and regional stability” in a June 14 statement. India has historically advocated for non-militarized solutions to conflicts in the Gulf, a stance that has drawn scrutiny from U.S. officials in recent years.

The attack also raises questions about the U.S. military’s targeting criteria. A U.S. official told Reuters that the vessel was “operating in a manner consistent with Iranian military activities,” but Indian authorities have called for transparency. “We need a full account of the circumstances,” said an Indian diplomat, according to The Hindu.

What Are the Casualty Details?

Two Indian sailors were confirmed dead in the attack, while a third, the chief engineer, remains unaccounted for, according to The Times of India. The ship, flagged under a Panamanian company, had 22 crew members, including 11 Indians, 10 Filipinos, and one Romanian, per NDTV. The Indian government has initiated consular assistance for the affected families, with the Ministry of External Affairs reporting “close coordination with the ship’s operator.”

The U.S. has not released a casualty list, but a Pentagon official told Reuters the strike was “intended to minimize harm to non-combatants.” India’s foreign ministry reiterated its “deep concern” over the incident, urging “immediate clarification” from U.S. authorities.

How Is the International Community Responding?

The incident has drawn attention from regional and global actors. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has not yet issued a formal statement, but India’s envoy to the U.N. emphasized the need for “de-escalation and adherence to international law” in a June 14 remarks. Iran has not commented publicly, but state media has accused the U.S. of “provocative actions” in the region.

Regional allies, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have called for calm. The UAE’s foreign ministry issued a statement on June 15 urging “all parties to avoid actions that could destabilize the Gulf.” Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office has not issued a direct response, but the government has maintained a focus on diplomatic resolution.