India summoned U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks to convey its protest over the attack on a commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and said three Indian crew members were reported missing while 21 others were rescued.
In a statement, the ministry said that of the 24 Indian crew members onboard the vessel, 21 had been rescued so far and three were reportedly missing.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the ministry said.
The MEA said India’s Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” it said.
India said the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region were “deeply worrisome” and described them as “a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” the statement said.
The ministry reiterated India’s call for “immediate de-escalation of tensions” and for the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution “so that peace and stability can return to the region.”
India also said that “the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end” and called for “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law” to be restored at the earliest.
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