India on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time this week after another merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members was attacked near the coast of Oman. The move reflects New Delhi’s growing concern over rising threats to commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
The Ministry of External Affairs called in the American diplomat as maritime security risks continue to increase. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has also issued a fresh security advisory for nearly 18,000 Indian seafarers working around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and nearby waters.
The advisory follows three incidents in four days involving ships with Indian crew members. On June 8, MT Marivex caught fire after a suspected strike, though all 24 Indian sailors were safe. On June 10, MT Settebello was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. Twenty-one crew members were rescued, but three Indian sailors lost their lives.
The latest attack reportedly involved MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian crew members, though officials have not revealed full details.
Around 622 Indian seafarers are currently serving on 13 India-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. With nearly 3.2 lakh seafarers working worldwide, India remains one of the most affected nations by the worsening maritime security situation.