India summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission in New Delhi on Friday to protest military strikes on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman, an Indian source stated. This marks the second time in three days that New Delhi has formally expressed its objections.
The U.S. deputy chief of mission, Jason Meeks, was initially summoned on Wednesday following a U.S. Navy strike that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello. On Thursday, another vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members was attacked, though no fatalities or injuries were reported.
"MEA summoned Meeks to lodge a protest against attacks on commercial vessels off the Coast of Oman," the Indian source confirmed, referring to the Ministry of External Affairs. The source further noted, "Yesterday, yet another vessel with 20 Indian crew on board came under attack."
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has not yet responded to a request for comment. The summoning of a U.S. diplomat to lodge a protest is considered unusual, given the close strategic partnership that has developed between India and Washington over the past two decades.
Despite strong bilateral ties, the relationship has faced pressure during recent years, influenced by U.S. tariffs and engagement with India's regional rivals, Pakistan and China. The reported deaths of Indian sailors precede a potential meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 7 summit in France.
