In less than 48 hrs, India summoned the highest ranking US diplomat posted in New Delhi and handed over a protest note, otherwise known as a ‘de-marche’, over continuing attacks on unarmed commercial ships in Gulf of Oman manned by Indian seafarers.
In the latest third such attack recorded in the last four days; three Indian marines died on Thursday the 11th of June 2026 after their oil tanker was hit by two Hellfire missiles fired by a US fighter jet.
On Friday the 12th of June, United States Charge d’Affaires, Jason Meeks was again asked to appear at the HQ of the Ministry of External Affaiers (MEA) where senior diplomats lodged a “strong protest”.
According to a statement issued by the MEA – “A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the MEA said in the release.
The ministry reiterated India’s deep concern over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and stressed that such actions pose a threat to maritime safety and regional stability.
“The Ministry once again 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,” the statement added.
India also urged the United States to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of civilian vessels and prevent any further loss of life.
The MEA in its statement, further stated that the US Charge d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to the American authorities and ensure that US forces operating in the region adopt all necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties.
“The U.S. Charge d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that U.S. forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life,” the ministry stated.
As stated earlier the Friday’s development comes-in following an incident recorded on Thursday, where a commercial vessel with 20 Indian crew members on board came under a direct US attack in the conflict zone in Gulf of Oman area.
