Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - India has formally summoned the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi following a second attack on a commercial vessel in the Gulf region within three days. The move came after the tanker Settebello, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was struck off the coast of Oman, prompting New Delhi to condemn the incident and raise concerns over the safety of Indian nationals amid the escalating West Asia conflict.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had lodged a strong protest with the United States after the attack on Settebello. According to the MEA, 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the vessel were rescued, while three remain missing. India's embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities and rescue agencies as search operations continue. The government described the incident as "deeply worrisome" and condemned the attack on the commercial vessel.

The attack comes amid growing instability in the Gulf region following the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. India warned that repeated attacks on merchant shipping threaten international trade, energy security, and the lives of civilian seafarers. New Delhi reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation, stressing that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and that freedom of navigation through international waterways should be restored at the earliest.

India's decision to summon the U.S. diplomat highlights the seriousness with which it views the safety of its citizens and the security of global maritime routes. As rescue efforts continue for the missing Indian sailors, New Delhi is pushing for diplomatic solutions and an end to attacks on commercial shipping in the increasingly volatile Gulf region.