Attack near the Strait of Hormuz has prompted India to summon a US official and renew calls for restraint in the Middle East conflict
Three Indian sailors were killed after a commercial cargo vessel came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed on Thursday.
The vessel, identified as the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, had 24 Indian crew members on board when it was struck amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Earlier, authorities had reported that three Indian nationals were missing following the incident.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered,” Sonowal said in a post on X.
Describing the incident as a profound loss to the maritime community, the minister said the government stands firmly with the families of the deceased and is committed to extending all necessary support. He added that officials have been directed to facilitate the immediate repatriation of rescued crew members and ensure the swift return of the mortal remains of the victims.
The confirmation came hours after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the vessel had been rescued. Search and rescue operations were initially launched in coordination with Omani authorities to locate the missing sailors.
The MT Settebello was transiting through the Gulf of Oman when it was attacked. Officials noted that the vessel was not on any sanctions blacklist, distinguishing it from another ship targeted in the region earlier.
Following the incident, India summoned a US official to convey its concerns over the attack and the loss of Indian lives.
The tragedy comes against the backdrop of rising instability in the Middle East and growing security risks along the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for global energy supplies and international trade.
India has reiterated its longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving the ongoing conflict in the region. New Delhi urged all sides to avoid military actions that could endanger commercial shipping, civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
The government also expressed concern over the broader humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict, including loss of life, displacement of civilians, disruptions to global trade routes, supply chains and energy markets.
India has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and renewed international efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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