The Indian Embassy in Oman said on Wednesday that the mortal remains of two Indian nationals who lost their lives in the US strikes on the ship MT Sitibello have been returned to India.
In a post on X, the embassy expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and said the remains had been returned to India.
“The mortal remains of Mr. Aditya Sharma and Mr. Shivanand Chaurasia, who tragically lost their lives in the attack on Mount Sitipilo, have been returned to India. Our heartfelt condolences remain with their families during this difficult time,” the embassy said in a statement.
The ship MT Setibello came under fire on Wednesday last week after US forces accused it of violating the ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports. Of the 24 Indian crew members, 21 were rescued, while the other three were later confirmed dead.
Read also | American attack, shipwreck, death from disease: a difficult week for Indian sailors off the Gulf Coast
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said he spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to convey India’s strong protest against the US Navy attacks in the Gulf that resulted in the death of three Indian sailors. He described such measures against commercial shipping as unjustified.
In a post on website
On Friday, Middle East Airlines summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest against the ongoing attacks on commercial ships off the coast of Oman.
Meanwhile, at the G7 summit in Evian, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed concern over the impact of disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy during the conflict in West Asia, and said he observed how Indian civilians lost their lives.
He stressed that international partnerships and global solidarity will only have meaning if countries work together to confront common challenges.
“International partnerships and global solidarity can only become meaningful when we collectively address common challenges. India firmly believes that a lasting solution to tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and international cooperation,” the Prime Minister said.
“We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of lives and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disturbances in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Many Indian civilians have also lost their lives,” he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of protecting sea routes and ensuring the security of seafarers involved in global trade.
“Ensuring the safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our collective responsibility. We must ensure that sea routes remain safe and that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear… India is fully prepared to work with all its partners on these important issues,” he added.
