US Attack on Ship Near Oman Leaves Two Indian Sailors Dead, One Missing, India Condemns Incident
Two Indian sailors were killed and one is missing after a US military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, according to official statements from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The incident, which occurred on May 20, 2024, has prompted India to summon the US ambassador in New Delhi for explanations, as reported by the MEA and confirmed by BBC.
What Happened in the Gulf of Oman?
The attack targeted a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, according to Al Jazeera. The US Department of Defense stated the strike was in response to “threats posed by Iranian-backed militias,” though no specific group was named. The Indian government confirmed that the vessel in question, the *Sahyadri*, was carrying crew members from India, with two confirmed dead and one missing, as per The Guardian.
India’s Diplomatic Response
The MEA summoned the US ambassador on May 22, 2024, to protest the “unprovoked” strike, according to Reuters. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized the need for “transparency and accountability,” citing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in international waters. The US embassy in New Delhi has not yet issued a public statement, but a spokesperson for the Department of State told The New York Times that the operation was “consistent with US commitments to regional security.”
How Did the Incident Unfold?
The *Sahyadri* was en route from Dubai to Mumbai when it was struck, according to Euronews. The US military cited “intelligence indicating imminent threats” as the rationale for the strike, but Indian officials have questioned the timing and targeting. The Indian Navy has since deployed a vessel to assist in search-and-rescue operations, as reported by The Patriot Post.
What Are the Geopolitical Implications?
The incident escalates tensions in the Gulf, where US and Iranian-backed forces have clashed repeatedly since 2021. India, a major energy importer, has historically maintained a neutral stance in regional conflicts but has now called for a “comprehensive investigation,” per The Wall Street Journal. Analysts note that the attack could strain India-US defense ties, particularly as New Delhi seeks to balance its strategic partnerships with both Washington and Tehran.
What Happens Next?
The Indian government has requested a detailed report from the US on the circumstances of the strike, according to India Times. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for an independent inquiry, as noted by IMO. The outcome could influence future US military operations in the region and India’s approach to maritime security cooperation.