Listen to this article:

The US military has carried out strikes on three commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman in the past week, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. The attacks targeted the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, among others, and represent the only documented instance in independent India’s history where US armed forces have directly killed Indian citizens.

The MEA summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires twice. In its formal communication, the ministry told the US side that the attacks “have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives.” It conveyed “its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time.” These diplomatic requests have produced no visible effect from the US.

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 12. In his post on X, Jaishankar stated: “Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.”

The US State Department readout acknowledged the conversation. Rubio defended the strikes, stating that US forces “will continue to take all necessary measures to enforce maritime security and counter hostile threats in the region.” He emphasised that “American interests and the safety of international shipping demand decisive action against those who endanger stability,” offering no apology for killing Indians, no regret for the deaths, no commitment to adjust rules of engagement and no assurance against future incidents.

As PM Narendra Modi prepares to meet US President Donald Trump in France on June 17, these deaths and the subsequent response from New Delhi and Washington DC raise many important questions.

Trump administration’s disdain for the Modi government

The Rubio-Jaishankar exchange revealed the limits of India’s leverage in dealing with the US. Rubio’s tougher tone prioritised US operational imperatives over New Delhi’s concerns about civilian casualties, leaving the Modi government’s diplomatic efforts without........

© The Wire