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Geopolitics · India-US Relations · Maritime Shipping · Oil Trade
Three Indian sailors died after a US missile struck the Palau-flagged MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, prompting India to summon the US chargé d'affaires and formally protest the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz region.
The US military's Central Command stated it fired a "precision munition" into the ship's engine, accusing the vessel of transporting Iranian oil in violation of a US blockade. This incident is one of at least 43 attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began on February 28.
India's foreign ministry condemned the attack, demanding an end to such targeting and the restoration of free navigation under international law. India's shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the deaths of Shivang Chaurasia, Aditya Sharma, and chief engineer Patnala Suresh, and directed officials to repatriate the rescued crew and deceased.
Families of the victims expressed grief and anger, with one father criticizing the US military action as not adhering to marine and international law.
