New Delhi, June 12: India on Friday summoned the United States Chargé d'Affaires in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over what it described as continuing attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks was called to the ministry and informed of India's serious concerns regarding the incidents, which New Delhi said had resulted in the loss of three Indian lives.
The MEA stated that India had conveyed its strong objection to the use of lethal force against civilian shipping operating in the region. The ministry emphasized that attacks on commercial vessels threaten the safety and security of international maritime trade and undermine stability in an already sensitive geopolitical environment.
India also expressed concern over the impact such incidents could have on global shipping routes and maritime commerce, particularly at a time when regional tensions remain elevated.
During the meeting, Indian officials urged the U.S. representative to communicate New Delhi's concerns to Washington and requested that all necessary precautions be taken to prevent further civilian casualties. The ministry stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of commercial shipping and protecting the lives of civilian mariners operating in international waters.
The Gulf of Oman serves as a critical maritime corridor connecting global energy and trade routes. Any disruption in the region has the potential to affect international shipping, energy supplies, and broader economic activity.
The United States had not immediately issued an official response to India's protest at the time of publication.
The development comes amid heightened tensions across the broader Middle East region, where concerns over maritime security have intensified in recent weeks.
This report is based on a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs on June 12, 2026.
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