Jaishankar Lodges Strong Protest with US Secretary Rubio After Death of Three Indian Seafarers in Gulf Attack

India has strongly objected to recent US military actions in the Gulf after three Indian seafarers were killed, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar directly raising the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

New Delhi | June 13, 2026

India has escalated its diplomatic response following the deaths of three Indian seafarers in a US military strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf region, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar personally conveying New Delhi’s strong protest to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to official statements, Jaishankar expressed India’s deep concern over attacks on commercial shipping that resulted in the loss of Indian lives. The minister emphasized that the use of lethal force against civilian maritime vessels was unacceptable and called for greater caution to ensure the safety of international shipping routes.

The diplomatic intervention comes amid growing tensions in the Gulf, where multiple vessels carrying Indian crew members have reportedly come under attack in recent days. One of the incidents involved a tanker operating near Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals. The tragedy has sparked outrage in India and renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working in conflict-prone maritime zones.

The Ministry of External Affairs has already summoned the senior-most US diplomat in New Delhi on multiple occasions to formally register India’s objections and seek a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the fatalities. Government officials have reiterated that civilian shipping must not become a casualty of ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the region.

India has also called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation in West Asia. With thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international vessels operating through strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, the government has intensified monitoring efforts and remains in close contact with regional authorities.

The incident is expected to remain a key issue in India-US diplomatic engagements as New Delhi seeks accountability while emphasizing the protection of civilian lives and maritime security.

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