Three Indian Seafarers Killed in Attack on MT Settebello Near Strait of Hormuz; India Lodges Strong Protest

Three Indian seafarers have lost their lives following an attack on the Palau-flagged merchant vessel MT Settebello off the coast of Oman near the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, according to official sources.

Addressing the media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has lodged a strong protest over the incident. He stated that following the attack, the Indian government summoned the American Chargé d'Affaires (CDA) and conveyed its deepest concerns regarding the recurring attacks affecting merchant vessels operating in the region.

Jaiswal noted that the ships involved in the recent incidents were foreign-flagged and not Indian-owned. However, the loss of Indian lives has intensified concerns over maritime security in one of the world's busiest shipping corridors. The government is closely monitoring developments and remains engaged with relevant authorities regarding the safety of Indian seafarers operating in international waters.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global trade route, handling a significant portion of the world's energy shipments, making any security incident in the region a matter of international concern.