This is not an isolated incident. On Monday, US forces hit another Palau-flagged oil tanker, the Marivex, in the Gulf of Oman for failing to comply with US instructions. All 24 crew members on the Marivex were rescued by the Omani military. Then, on Thursday, a third vessel, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer, came under attack in the vicinity of Shinas port in Oman. Initially, there was confusion regarding the status of the Jalveer's crew, but Delhi confirmed that all 20 crew members on board were safe. Centcom confirmed its involvement in striking both the Settebello and the Marivex, highlighting a systematic approach to enforcing the blockade.

Despite the foreign registration of these vessels, a majority of their crew members are Indian, making the crew's safety a paramount concern for New Delhi. The Indian government has maintained a firm stance that "targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end." Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India "lodged a strong protest" with the US when the Settebello was struck. "We called in the American CDA [chargé d'affaires] and informed them of our deepest concerns about the ongoing incidents of attacks," Jaiswal added.

The diplomatic fallout has been immediate. While India has expressed its deepest concerns, the maritime union leaders have also voiced their frustration. Manoj Yadav, general secretary of the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI), told The Economic Times that he "refused to believe" that the US lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board those ships. Yadav argued that if the ships failed to heed instructions, "detaining them was a viable alternative" rather than resorting to lethal force. He has begun reaching out to the families of the sailors to inform them of the tragic developments.

The human cost of this conflict is increasingly evident in the personal stories of the victims' families. Rajesh Sharma’s account of his son’s extended duty underscores the unpredictability faced by seafarers in volatile regions. The uncertainty regarding the repatriation of the bodies adds to the trauma, as families like the Sharmas are left in limbo, questioning the decisions that led to the deaths of their loved ones. The call for an inquiry is not just a demand for accountability but a plea for preventive measures to protect future crews.

The strategic context of these strikes is complex. The US military’s actions are part of a broader containment strategy against Iran, aimed at cutting off its port access. However, the reliance on commercial tankers and the subsequent targeting of vessels with foreign flags have drawn international criticism. The high number of Indian nationals involved highlights the global nature of maritime labor and the vulnerabilities it creates in times of war. With 562 Indian seafarers currently on Indian-flagged vessels, including 329 in the Gulf region west of Hormuz and 233 in the Gulf of Oman east of Hormuz, the risk to Indian nationals remains high. Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal noted that there are more than 18,000 Indian seafarers in total in the whole Gulf region, emphasizing the scale of the potential impact.

Tensions Escalate as Blockade Continues

The current situation in the Gulf of Oman is characterized by heightened hostility and diplomatic strain. The US military strikes, part of the Gulf of Oman blockade, have not only resulted in the tragic loss of life but have also tested the resilience of international diplomacy. India’s strong protests and the subsequent calls for inquiry highlight the growing friction between the need for national security and the protection of commercial interests and civilian lives. As both countries exchange strikes for a second consecutive day, the fragile ceasefire arrived upon in April is under severe strain. The ongoing conflict poses significant risks to global energy supplies and maritime safety, with the potential for further escalation. The fate of the remaining Indian sailors and the outcome of India’s diplomatic efforts will be critical in determining the future stability of the region and the safety of its seafarers.