Deaths of Three Indian Sailors in Alleged U.S. Strike Spark Outrage in India

The reported deaths of three Indian sailors in an alleged U.S. strike on a commercial oil tanker have triggered widespread anger in India, adding fresh strain to relations between Washington and New Delhi.

According to reports, the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Setebello, carrying Iranian crude oil, was transiting the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday morning when it was struck by precision missiles reportedly fired from a U.S. aircraft. The attack allegedly targeted the vessel’s engine room, causing a fire and prompting an emergency rescue operation.

CNN reported that most of the tanker’s 28 crew members were Indian nationals, citing information from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The U.S. military has reportedly claimed that the vessel repeatedly ignored instructions, leading to the strike. Following rescue efforts, the bodies of three Indian sailors were recovered. The incident is being described as the first confirmed case of foreign commercial seafarers being killed in a recent U.S. military operation in the region.

The deaths have generated significant concern in India, where thousands of citizens work aboard international merchant vessels, many of which operate in the conflict-prone waters of the Gulf region.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such attacks “must stop,” reflecting growing official concern over the safety of Indian nationals working at sea.

In response to the incident, New Delhi reportedly summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires to express its concerns. Several political parties and labor organizations in India have also condemned the alleged strike.

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) stated that the Indian government should adopt a stronger position when Indian workers are killed during foreign military operations.

CNN further reported that 24 Indian sailors were rescued from another oil tanker in the same region following a separate U.S. strike a day earlier. In addition, another vessel reportedly came under missile attack on Thursday, although all Indian crew members aboard were said to be unharmed.

Families of the deceased sailors have demanded answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The father of one of the victims said he wanted his son’s body returned home and sought a full explanation of how the incident occurred.

The episode comes at a time when India-U.S. relations have faced increasing political and economic challenges despite a long-standing strategic partnership.

Tensions reportedly intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in May to have played a mediating role during a brief but intense conflict between India and Pakistan. The Indian government rejected the assertion, reviving longstanding sensitivities surrounding third-party involvement in the Kashmir dispute.

Trade disagreements have also contributed to friction, particularly following the imposition of higher U.S. tariffs on several Indian exports.

Political analyst Kanti Bajpai said Washington’s growing engagement with Pakistan has become another source of concern for New Delhi. He noted that Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who has recently been portrayed as an important intermediary in discussions involving the United States and Iran.

Despite these challenges, Washington has undertaken several diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions, including appointing a new U.S. ambassador to India and facilitating a visit to New Delhi by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month.

Nevertheless, analysts believe India may now seek a more visible diplomatic gesture from Washington, particularly in light of public anger surrounding the reported deaths of the Indian sailors.