The Indian government has officially summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a formal protest regarding the recent naval strike that resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners. The incident occurred when the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was hit by a suspected US missile off the coast of Oman. While twenty-one other Indian crew members were successfully rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs labeled the use of lethal force against civilian vessels as entirely unacceptable, emphasizing that such military maneuvers jeopardize the stability and security of critical maritime trade routes.

In response to the tragedy, Indian officials have urged the United States to implement immediate measures to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the region. Although the US military defended the action as a "precision strike" aimed at a vessel allegedly transporting Iranian oil in violation of directives, New Delhi remains firm in its condemnation. The Indian Embassy in Oman continues to coordinate closely with local authorities to manage the aftermath, as the government seeks clear answers from Washington regarding the loss of its citizens' lives during the operation.