MEA summons US diplomat again, protests against continued strikes on ships with Indian crew

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again summoned the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks, marking the second consecutive day of diplomatic protests against recent U.S. military actions targeting commercial vessels in the Western Asian region. These actions reportedly resulted in the deaths of Indian crew members aboard ships flagged under foreign jurisdictions. On Friday, the MEA expressed deep concern regarding the use of lethal force against civilian shipping, emphasizing that such actions pose a threat to the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce in a particularly sensitive geopolitical climate.

The U.S. military's actions have drawn significant criticism from New Delhi, which views them as unacceptable and detrimental to regional stability. During the meeting with Meeks, the Indian government conveyed its concerns directly to the U.S., urging that necessary measures be taken to prevent further loss of civilian life. This follows a similar protest held on Thursday, where the MEA voiced its strongest objections to the U.S. Navy's strike on the Palau-flagged tanker *Settebello* off the coast of Oman, resulting in the death of three Indian crew members. Twenty-one others were rescued from the incident.

In response to these developments, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that they had indeed struck the *Settebello*, citing the vessel's alleged violation of the American-imposed maritime blockade aimed at restricting traffic linked to Iran. According to the U.S. military, the ship was suspected of transporting oil from Iran. Shortly after the Thursday meeting, the U.S. announced that it had disabled another tanker, the *MT Jalveer*, off the coast of Oman, which was also allegedly attempting to move Iranian oil. Social media footage captured the aftermath of the attack, showing thick plumes of smoke rising from the vessel. Twenty Indian seafarers were successfully evacuated from the *MT Jalveer*.

This is not the first instance of U.S. military action affecting Indian crew members. Earlier in the week, the *Marivex* tanker, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, was also targeted by the U.S. military for allegedly breaching the blockade. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued unharmed. According to the MEA, all three vessels struck by the U.S. military since Monday were foreign-flagged. Of these, two are listed on the sanctions list maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, while the third falls into the category of non-compliant ships.

Separately, the MEA has also raised concerns regarding the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where the Indian government has urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights violations. Speaking at a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the severity of the police crackdown in Rawalkot, PoK, which led to the deaths of several protesters. He noted that the demonstrations were sparked by public discontent over the sharp increase in the price of essential goods and demands for the abolition of reserved seats for refugees in upcoming elections.

Jaiswal criticized the spread of misinformation originating from Pakistan, suggesting that it was an effort to divert attention from the country's own shortcomings. The international community has shown interest in the situation, with British politicians expressing concern over the communication blackout in PoK and its potential impact on the safety and well-being of British nationals with familial ties to the region. The British Parliament has seen a wave of letters from over 50 MPs addressing the UK Foreign Secretary, highlighting the need for clarity and intervention in the escalating crisis.

As tensions continue to mount in both the maritime domain and the political landscape of PoK, the Indian government remains vigilant and proactive in addressing issues that affect its national interests and the welfare of its citizens abroad. The diplomatic engagements with the U.S. and calls for international accountability reflect India's commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and advocating for justice and human rights globally.