India has strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman and summoned the US Charge d’Affaires, Jason Meeks, to hand over a demarche over the strike that has left three Indian crew members missing.
This marks the second such attack in quick succession on a Palau-flagged tanker with an Indian crew in the region amid heightened tensions linked to US enforcement actions against vessels connected to Iranian ports.
There are better measures that could save the lives of seafarers instead of direct attacks on ships — especially when everyone onboard is known to be Indian and foreign nationals.
— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 10, 2026
Someone must take responsibility. Seafarers’ lives should not be put at stake due to geopolitical… pic.twitter.com/nqDgpvDbKS
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the vessel Settebello came under attack earlier on June 10. Of the 24 Indian nationals onboard, 21 have been rescued so far, while three Indians are reportedly missing. The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely coordinating with Omani authorities for the ongoing search and rescue operation.
In a strongly-worded statement, the MEA said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today.”
The statement added, “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 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.”
Ministry of External Affairs also summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, and handed over a demarche. India has expressed serious concern over the safety of its nationals and sought immediate clarification from the US side.
Ministry of External Affairs summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to protest the attack on a ship. The move comes as India condemned the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, which had 24 Indian crew members onboard. While 21… pic.twitter.com/fKl3mMw77y
— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2026
India reiterated its call for de-escalation, protection of commercial shipping, and restoration of safe navigation in international waters.
This incident comes days after a similar US strike on another Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex, where all 24 Indian crew members were successfully rescued by Omani forces with no casualties. The repeated attacks have raised serious questions about the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf of Oman region.
