Public anger is growing across India after three Indian seafarers were killed in a United States military strike on a commercial oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, raising concerns that Indian citizens are becoming unintended victims of the escalating conflict involving Iran.
The vessel, identified as the M/T Settebello, was reportedly carrying Iranian oil when it was struck by US forces enforcing a blockade against Iranian exports. According to reports, the attack caused a major fire onboard, resulting in the deaths of three Indian crew members and triggering a large-scale rescue operation.
The incident has sparked outrage in India, where families, labour unions, and political figures are demanding answers and accountability. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has called for an immediate halt to attacks on commercial shipping vessels and summoned US diplomatic representatives to express its concerns.
The deaths come amid a series of similar incidents involving ships carrying Indian crews. Just a day before the Settebello strike, another tanker carrying 24 Indian sailors reportedly came under attack in the Gulf of Oman, while a third vessel transporting Iranian oil was targeted shortly afterward.
Families of the deceased seafarers have appealed to the government to bring their loved ones’ remains home and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks. Labour unions representing Indian maritime workers have also criticized the use of force against commercial vessels, arguing that alternative enforcement measures could have been employed.
The tragedy arrives at a sensitive moment in US-India relations, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the upcoming G7 summit. Analysts say the incident could add further strain to ties already affected by trade disputes and geopolitical disagreements.
India remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of merchant marine workers, with hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international vessels. The latest attacks have intensified concerns about their safety as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
While diplomatic discussions continue, the families of the victims are left mourning their loss and seeking answers about the final moments of their loved ones.
The incident has renewed calls for greater protection of civilian maritime workers and stronger international safeguards to prevent commercial crews from becoming casualties in geopolitical conflicts.
