India summons US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks over attack on vessel off Oman coast

India on Wednesday summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to lodge a strong protest over the attack on a commercial vessel by the US military off Oman coast.

Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Meeks as US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, is out of Delhi.

Advertisement

However, New Delhi has reportedly not issued any formal demarche.

The move comes shortly after India condemned the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, which had 24 Indian crew members onboard.

While 21 of the crew members have been rescued, three Indian seafarers are still missing as a search operation is underway.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement

The MEA said that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial vessels in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict.

India also reiterated its call for de-escalation, protection of commercial shipping, and restoration of safe navigation in international waters.

“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,” the statement added.