All three missing Indian seafarers have died after a United States military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed on Thursday.
US military action
The US stated that its military carried out a "precision" strike on the vessel after it failed to follow instructions and was transporting oil from Iran. The incident occurred off the coast of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
India's response
Indian sources told Reuters that New Delhi had summoned the US deputy chief of mission after lodging a "strong protest" over the strike. The Indian government expressed deep concern over the loss of life and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
The tanker strike has raised tensions in the region, with Iran condemning the US action. The Indian maritime community has also expressed shock and grief over the deaths of the seafarers.
