New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The security situation in the Gulf region has become increasingly fragile after another merchant vessel carrying Indian nationals came under attack off the coast of Oman, triggering renewed concerns over the safety of seafarers navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
The latest vessel, MT Jalveer, had 20 Indian crew members onboard when it was struck during a US military operation. Indian diplomatic officials in Oman confirmed that every crew member was rescued safely and no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred less than a day after India formally lodged a diplomatic protest over an earlier strike on another commercial ship that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The back-to-back incidents have heightened concerns in New Delhi over the vulnerability of civilian shipping in the region.
US military officials stated that the tanker was intercepted on allegations of transporting Iranian oil in violation of American restrictions. According to their account, the vessel did not respond to repeated warnings, prompting action aimed at disabling its propulsion system.
The attack follows similar action against two other merchant ships over the past week, both of which also had Indian nationals among their crew. The repeated involvement of Indian seafarers has sparked calls for stronger international safeguards for commercial vessels operating in conflict-sensitive waters.
Representatives of maritime unions questioned the use of force, arguing that authorities had alternative options such as boarding or detaining the vessel instead of launching an armed strike. They maintained that the presence of civilian crews should warrant greater caution during military operations.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that the protection of Indian seafarers remains a priority and confirmed that strong concerns had been communicated to the United States through diplomatic channels following the earlier incident.
Government data indicates that thousands of Indian sailors continue to serve aboard vessels operating across the Gulf and nearby sea lanes, many of which pass through strategically sensitive areas. The latest developments have once again highlighted the risks faced by commercial shipping as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.
With uncertainty persisting in the region, shipping companies and maritime authorities are expected to review safety protocols while monitoring the evolving security situation in the Gulf.
