The US State Department said on Thursday that it is in direct contact with the government of India after New Delhi condemned the US attack on the oil tanker that led to the loss of three Indian crew members in the waters off the coast of Oman and summoned the most senior US diplomat.
In response to a query from Hizb ut Tahrir regarding India’s decision to summon the US Deputy Chief of Mission and the attacks on the two ships, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in direct contact with the Government of India regarding this matter.”
Read also | India summons US diplomat over attack on oil tanker off Oman
The statement comes after India on Wednesday condemned the attack on the tanker Citipilo, in which three Indian crew members were reported missing, and summoned the top US diplomat in New Delhi to register a strong protest. The move followed another US strike two days ago on the tanker MT Marivex, which was entirely crewed by Indians, HT reported earlier.
India condemns the attack after the disappearance of three Indian sailors
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Wednesday’s attack, although its statement did not specify which country was responsible. People familiar with the matter confirmed that the tanker “Citiblue”, which flies the Palau flag, was targeted by American forces for trying to evade the American blockade of Iranian ports.
Read also | Middle East Airlines says 3 Indians are missing after an attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman and the search is underway: “Targeting must end”
Additional Secretary for the Americas Nagaraj Naidu summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to the Ministry of External Affairs where the Indian side lodged a strong protest. According to the people mentioned, India has made it clear that attacks that endanger the lives of Indian sailors are unacceptable.
The ministry said in its statement: “We condemn the attack on the merchant ship Setibillo off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew on board, 21 Indians have been rescued so far, and 3 Indians are said to be missing.”
She added that the Indian Embassy in Oman is monitoring developments and “proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
21 Indian crew members rescued
The Settebello was heading from the port of Lianyungang in China to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and had a crew of 28, including 24 Indians, two Pakistanis, a Russian and a Ukrainian, according to people familiar with the matter. The Omani Armed Forces rescued 21 Indian crew members.
Read also | Middle East Airlines summons US Chargé d’Affairs Jason Meeks regarding the attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman and files a strong protest
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that the tanker suffered an engine room fire about 20 nautical miles northeast of the Omani port of Sohar. British maritime risk management group Vanguard said that the ship sent a distress call stating that it had been hit by a missile that caused a fire, and as a result, the Omani Navy responded.
India calls for stopping the escalation
The Ministry of External Affairs described the ongoing attacks on shipping in the region as “deeply concerning and a direct result of the ongoing conflict” in West Asia, and reiterated India’s call for a negotiated end to hostilities between Iran and the United States.
The ministry said: “We reiterate our call for an immediate de-escalation of tension, and the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations to reach a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability return to the region.”
She added: “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unhindered navigation and trade through the region’s international waterways must be restored in line with international law as soon as possible.”
The United States began a blockade of Iranian ports on April 13 after Tehran prevented the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, US forces disabled seven non-compliant ships, redirected 134 others, and allowed 42 ships supporting humanitarian aid to pass.
Since the conflict began in February, ten Indians have died in West Asia, including three sailors killed in attacks on merchant ships during the first phase of hostilities.
