Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the United States for its response following the deaths of three Indian crew members in a recent strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf region, calling Washington an insensitive friend.
Tharoor’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where multiple merchant vessels carrying Indian crew have reportedly come under attack in recent days. Questioning the lack of regret expressed by US authorities on the incident, The senior Congress leader also commented that the use of lethal force in maritime enforcement operations in a region already strained by ongoing conflict and heightened security risks. He asked why non-lethal methods were not used to stop vessels allegedly violating restrictions, suggesting that ships could be disabled without endangering civilian lives. Tharoor further warned that Indian seafarers form a significant part of global merchant shipping in the Gulf region, raising concerns over their safety amid repeated attacks.
At least 24 Indians and four foreign nationals were on board the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello when it came under attack off the Oman coast. Three Indian crew members were killed, while 21 others were rescued. The victims were identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya, and chief engineer Patnala Suresh.
Following the incident, India formally raised the issue with the United States, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveying that such actions were not justified.
India, meanwhile, has described the attacks on merchant vessels as deeply concerning and has called for de-escalation in the region to ensure the safety of civilian maritime operations.
The latest incident adds to a series of strikes on vessels carrying Indian crew in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting commercial shipping routes and intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.