India summons US envoy after a strike on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman left three Indian seafarers missing and 21 others rescued.
New Delhi lodged a strong protest with a senior US diplomat after the incident, which took place in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the Palau-flagged commercial vessel and said its embassy in Oman was coordinating with local authorities during the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The ministry said 24 Indian crew members were onboard the tanker. Of these, 21 were rescued while three remained missing.
India Summons US Envoy Over Settebello Tanker Strike
India summons US envoy after US forces disabled the Settebello, raising concerns over the safety of Indian crew members working on commercial vessels in conflict-prone waters.
The protest reflected New Delhi’s concern over the targeting of commercial shipping and the risks faced by Indian seafarers in the Gulf region.
India also called for attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region to end.
The incident has added a diplomatic dimension to the wider maritime tensions around Iran, Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
US Says Tanker Violated Iran Blockade
US Central Command said the Settebello was disabled after it allegedly violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
According to CENTCOM, a US aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces.
The US military said the tanker was the eighth non-compliant vessel disabled since the blockade began in April.
CENTCOM also said it had redirected more than 100 vessels that complied with instructions and allowed humanitarian aid vessels to pass.
Three Indian Seafarers Remain Missing
The main concern for India is the safety of the three missing Indian seafarers.
India said its embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and working with Omani authorities in the search and rescue effort.
Earlier maritime reports said the vessel had suffered an engine-room fire about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar in Oman.
The condition of the missing crew members was not immediately clear.
Gulf Of Oman Incident Raises Maritime Safety Concerns
The Gulf of Oman incident has raised fresh questions about the safety of commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital energy route used for global oil and gas shipments, and any disruption in the area can have wider consequences for international trade and fuel markets.
The Settebello incident follows a series of maritime confrontations linked to the US-Iran conflict and the enforcement of the blockade against Iran-related shipping.
Shipping companies operating in the area now face higher security risks, insurance concerns and uncertainty over routes.
IMO Condemns Attack On Commercial Shipping
The International Maritime Organization condemned the attack and said the safety of seafarers must remain a priority.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed concern over the missing crew members and called for the protection of civilian shipping and freedom of navigation.
The IMO said the incident followed a projectile strike against the vessel, which caused a fire onboard.
It also called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the attack.
India Faces Growing Concern Over Seafarer Safety
Indian seafarers form a major part of the global maritime workforce, making incidents in the Gulf especially important for New Delhi.
India has often had to coordinate with foreign governments during maritime emergencies involving Indian crew members, including piracy, ship seizures, accidents and conflict-related disruptions.
The Settebello strike shows how quickly regional military tensions can affect civilian crews working on commercial vessels.
For India, the immediate priority remains locating the missing seafarers and ensuring the safety of the rescued crew.
Oman Ship Strike Adds To Regional Tensions
The strike on the Settebello comes as tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt maritime security.
The US has said its blockade is aimed at stopping Iran-related shipping, while critics have warned that military action against commercial vessels could endanger civilian lives and escalate regional instability.
The incident is likely to remain under close watch by India, Oman, the United States and international maritime bodies.
For now, the Settebello attack has become both a maritime safety crisis and a diplomatic issue, with three Indian seafarers still missing and New Delhi pressing Washington over the strike.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 11, 2026
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