India called in the top US diplomat in New Delhi for the second time in three days after American military strikes hit commercial vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman. The Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, crewed by 24 Indian nationals, was struck on June 10, leaving three sailors dead or missing and 21 rescued.
The summoning of US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks represents a rapid deterioration in tone between two countries that have spent years carefully cultivating a strategic partnership. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the attacks “deeply worrisome” and pressed for immediate de-escalation.
What happened in the Gulf of Oman
The US Central Command carried out strikes against vessels it says were violating an American-led blockade targeting Iranian oil transportation. The Settebello was one of at least two ships involved, alongside the MT Marivex.
Indian statements have not included any reported expression of regret from US officials regarding the attacks.
