The U.S. on Thursday attacked a Guinea- Bissau- flagged bitumen carrier tanker MT Jalveer, with 20 Indian sea farers aboard in Gulf of Oman, marking the third such incident in four days.
The crew was reported safe. On Monday US forces hit the Mavirex, a Palau flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Oman and on Wednesday the MT Settebello came under attack, with 24 Indian crew on board, of which 21 were rescued and three Indian confirmed dead in strike.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbanda Sonowal in post on X confirmed the deaths of Indian nationals in US strikes. He reaffirmed his commitment to bring the mortal remains of the deceased to India for the final rites.
There is renewed increase in attacks from both US and Iran after brief period of ceasefire announced in month of April. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump threatened to seize Kharg Island, Iran's main oil port terminal in Persian Gulf, after both countries exchanged fire for a second consecutive night, jeopardising the two month old ceasefire.
The US military said MT Jalveer was targeted for allegedly transporting Iranian oil from Gulf of Oman after repeated warnings. India strongly condemned the attack that killed Indian nationals. Opposition Parties condemned the strikes and urged stronger action and accountability.
Indian National Congress in a statement has expressed profound grief about the loss of Indian nationals in the US strikes. It also said that Prime Minister has repeatedly showcased his personal rapport with President Donald Trump as a diplomatic achievement.
PM Modi will be on official visit to France in next week for G7 meeting where he is expected to meet President Trump along with world leaders.
