India-US Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over US Strikes on Tankers in Gulf of Oman, Killing Three Indian Sailors

India has summoned the US chargé d'affaires in New Delhi to protest US military strikes on commercial tankers off Oman, which killed three Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. The incident occurred amid US enforcement of a blockade targeting vessels suspected of transporting Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz region. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed disabling the Settebello on June 10, 2026, after it allegedly attempted to transport Iranian oil and failed to comply with warnings; a similar strike hit the MT Marivex days earlier.[1][2]

India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the commercial vessel, noting 24 Indian sailors were aboard Settebello—21 rescued and three confirmed dead. Families, including that of cadet Aditya Sharma, have called for investigations into responsibility. India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths and requested the bodies' return.[3]

This marks a rare direct diplomatic clash, with India lodging a 'strong protest' and emphasizing concerns over crew safety amid heightened risks in the Gulf. Multiple vessels, including a third strike on MT Jalveer, have been targeted in quick succession as part of the blockade initiated in April 2026. Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera, and DW have reported extensively on the events, corroborating CENTCOM statements and India's response.[4][5]

The episodes highlight vulnerabilities for the thousands of Indian seafarers in the region and potential strains on US-India ties despite broader strategic cooperation. Mainstream coverage focuses on the operational details and humanitarian impact rather than framing it as a major alliance shift, though the protests underscore navigation and enforcement risks in contested waters.