India summons US diplomat, lodges 'strong protest' after tanker strike off Oman sends crewmembers missing
India has summoned a senior US diplomat and lodged a strong protest following a strike on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman that sent three Indian crewmembers missing.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) handed over a demarche to US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks during a 30-minute meeting at its headquarters in New Delhi after Wednesday's attack on the Palau-flagged vessel "Settebello," which had 24 Indian crewmembers on board.
According to the MEA, 21 of the crewmembers have been rescued, while three remain missing.
It added that "our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation."
India condemns attack on commercial shipping
In its strongest reaction to date, New Delhi condemned the strike and expressed concern over the security situation in the region.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region," the ministry said.
"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," it added.
"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."
Ever since February 28, when the United States and the Israeli regime began their latest bout of unprovoked aggression against Iran, the Persian Gulf region has been experiencing incessant incidents arising out of the unlawful attacks.
The United States has sustained an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels and ports as part of the aggression, prompting the Islamic Republic to ban vessels belonging to enemies and their allies from crossing the waterway and subject transit through the corridor to a new management system.
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The blockade has also seen American forces subject Iranian vessels to illegal measures such as seizures, while intermittent American violations of a ceasefire announced by Washington on April 7 has put commercial shipping in the region in harm's way.
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