India has filed a formal diplomatic protest after a US strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian sailors. Two other recent US strikes in the Gulf involved ships with Indian crew; India provides about 12% of the global merchant seafaring workforce. A maritime union has demanded answers, while New Delhi appears reluctant to escalate tensions amid sensitive trade talks with Washington.
India Lodges Diplomatic Protest After US Strike Kills Three Sailors — Trade Talks Complicate Response
New Delhi has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Washington after a US military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian sailors, officials said.
The incident was one of several US actions in the Gulf this week; two other vessels struck by US forces also had Indian crew on board. India supplies roughly 12% of the world’s merchant seafaring workforce, highlighting how regional maritime confrontations can affect large numbers of Indian seafarers.
Union reaction: An Indian maritime union leader told The New York Times, “They are ordinary people, not trained for war,” and urged New Delhi to “ask tough questions” about the circumstances that led to the deaths.
Diplomatic balancing act: Despite the fatalities, officials in New Delhi appear cautious about escalating a diplomatic confrontation with Washington. The government is said to be wary of jeopardising ongoing trade negotiations and broader bilateral cooperation, even as relations with the US have seen tensions at times in recent years.
India has demanded a full explanation and assurances to protect civilian mariners while considering possible next steps.
It remains unclear whether further investigations or additional diplomatic measures will follow. New Delhi has called for clarity and accountability as it weighs both the human cost and strategic implications of the strike.
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