India on Wednesday summoned the United States Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest after a commercial tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman. The move came after the United States confirmed that it had targeted the vessel as part of its ongoing maritime blockade against Iran.

Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), summoned Jason Meeks, Charge d’Affaires of the United States, following the strike on the tanker Settebello. India expressed serious concern over the safety of its citizens caught in the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

In an official statement, the MEA said, "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today."

The ministry also provided an update on the rescue operation. It stated, "Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation."

The Settebello is a Palau-flagged chemical and oil products tanker. Maritime security agencies reported that the vessel was struck near the Omani coast. Security analysts believe the attack was carried out by the United States. The ship later reported an engine-room fire while sailing about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar port in Oman.

The vessel had a total crew of 28 members, including 24 Indians. Following the incident, the Omani Navy responded to the distress call and launched rescue operations in the area.

The United States Central Command later confirmed that it had carried out the strike. According to its statement, the vessel was targeted at 11:14 pm on June 9 (US time) during enforcement of the American blockade on Iran-related shipping.

The US military said, "US Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman". It further stated that "a US aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship's engine room" after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions issued by American forces.

British maritime security company Ambrey also commented on the incident. The company said the attack was likely connected to US efforts to enforce restrictions on shipping linked to Iran.

"This was likely the result of US operations to blockade Iranian ports," Ambrey said.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) also strongly condemned the attack on the tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. The Palau-flagged vessel caught fire after it was reportedly hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed serious concern over the incident and said any action that threatens the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping is “simply unacceptable.” He stressed that the protection of sailors, civilian vessels, and freedom of navigation must always be maintained. The IMO also called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

In a separate statement, CENTCOM reiterated that US forces had disabled the tanker in the Gulf of Oman. According to the statement, a US military aircraft targeted the vessel’s engine room with precision munitions after the crew repeatedly failed to follow instructions from American forces.

The IMO noted that 43 attacks on international shipping have been confirmed in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026. The figure highlights growing security concerns in one of the world's most critical maritime routes.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains one of the world's most important routes for global energy supplies.

Tensions in the region have remained high since April, when the United States launched a blockade targeting Iran-related shipping. The move followed Tehran's decision to impose severe restrictions on maritime traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the US Central Command, American forces have since intercepted or redirected dozens of vessels suspected of violating the blockade. Several ships linked to what Washington describes as Iran's "shadow fleet" have also been targeted.

India warned that attacks on merchant vessels were becoming increasingly dangerous as regional tensions continued to rise. It urged all sides to avoid further escalation and focus on diplomatic efforts.

The MEA stated, "We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region."

India also raised the issue at the United Nations Security Council during a debate on peace and security in the Middle East. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, expressed strong concern over the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its impact on regional stability, global trade, and civilian safety.

Harish urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritise the protection of civilians. India strongly opposed attacks on merchant ships and highlighted that several Indian nationals have either lost their lives or gone missing due to attacks on countries in the region and on commercial vessels.

He pointed out that nearly 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries, making their safety a major concern for New Delhi. His remarks came shortly after India lodged its protest with the United States over the attack on the Settebello near Oman. He also referred to another recent attack on a vessel carrying 24 Indians that came under attack while attempting to avoid a blockade of Iranian ports.

India stressed that stability in the Gulf region remains critical because the country's trade and energy security depend heavily on it. Harish said the worsening conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and disruption to economic activities, creating serious concerns for India.

Calling for an immediate end to the conflict, India urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy. It also called for the protection of freedom of navigation, an end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure, and efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

India additionally expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supported a sustained ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a negotiated two-state solution involving Israel and Palestine. The country announced a contribution of $2.5 million to the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees.

On Lebanon, India called for respect for the country's sovereignty and demanded protection for UN peacekeepers, including Indian personnel serving there. India also announced medical assistance for Lebanon and reiterated the need for reforms in the UN Security Council to better address modern global conflicts.

The attack on the Settebello comes shortly after another maritime incident involving the tanker Marivex. That vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Oman after allegedly attempting to sail to an Iranian port. The latest strike has added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers operating in the increasingly volatile region.