Published：Jun 10, 18:27Last updated：Jun 13, 12:03

US Attacks on Indian Tankers Escalate into Major Diplomatic Crisis

Jun. 10, 2026 18:27

India's Foreign Ministry delivered a protest note to the US chargé d'affaires, Jason Mix, on June 10, 2026, regarding the American attack on the commercial ship Settebello off the coast of Oman. The incident has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Summarized

22News

14Media

Jun. 13, 2026 10:24

Three Indian sailors were killed in a U.S. military operation targeting an Iran-linked tanker near Oman. The incident occurred on June 12, 2026, as part of Washington's blockade efforts. Indian authorities confirmed the deaths on June 13.

Jun. 13, 2026 12:03

On June 13, 2026, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar strongly protested to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following a US military attack on a Palau-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. The attack occurred on June 10, and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 24 Indian crew members were on board, with three fatalities. This incident has escalated criticism of the US in India, as it marks the third attack on vessels carrying Indian nationals by US forces this month. The attack has strained US-India relations, which had shown signs of improvement following Rubio's visit to India in late May.

India has intensified diplomatic protests against the United States following multiple military strikes that killed Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman, with the latest incident on June 12 resulting in three fatalities aboard the Palau-flagged tanker 'Setbelo'. The attacks between June 9-12, 2026 have triggered nationwide outrage in India and significantly strained bilateral relations that had shown recent improvement after US Secretary Rubio's May visit. Russian Gazette+2

⚓ Escalating Maritime Incidents

The US military conducted at least three separate strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members within one week, including the deadly June 10 attack on the 'Setbelo' in Omani waters. US Central Command maintains all targeted ships were transporting Iranian oil in violation of sanctions, while India disputes these claims. The incidents mark the third attack this month on vessels with Indian nationals. Huanqiu+2

🇮🇳 India's Diplomatic Offensive

New Delhi has summoned US diplomats twice in three days, with Foreign Minister Jaishankar personally protesting to Secretary Rubio. The government confirmed 24 Indian crew members were aboard the attacked tanker, with three fatalities. Enhanced security protocols for Indian sailors worldwide have been implemented amid growing domestic pressure, including protests demanding stronger action. Huanqiu+2

🌐 International Repercussions

The incidents have disrupted critical shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf, with Iran joining India in condemning the attacks as threats to international shipping. Insurance premiums for vessels in the region are expected to spike dramatically, while analysts warn the crisis could derail US-India defense cooperation and impact global oil markets. Huanqiu+2

🕊️ Path to Resolution

Both nations have agreed to establish a joint investigation team, though India insists on including neutral observers. The US has temporarily paused further strikes pending review of its engagement protocols. Oman's military continues rescue operations, highlighting the humanitarian dimension as tensions persist. Russian Gazette+2

Jason MixMT MarivexGulf of OmanUS Central CommandIndian Ministry of External Affairs

topic.regionalNarratives

Russia

Coverage highlights India's repeated diplomatic protests against US attacks on commercial ships with Indian crews.

China

Reporting centers on India's diplomatic protests over the US attack on a tanker that killed Indian sailors and broader regional tensions.

France

Coverage focuses on the US military strike that killed Indian sailors near Oman and its implications for maritime security.

Japan

Reporting emphasizes the diplomatic fallout from the US attack on a tanker carrying Indian crew members and its impact on US-India relations.

United States

Coverage emphasizes the ongoing U.S. military strikes near Oman and the resulting diplomatic tensions with India over maritime security.

Germany

Coverage focuses on India's diplomatic protest over the U.S. strike that killed Indian sailors and the resulting domestic reactions.

United Kingdom

Outlets frame the event around India's strong protest against the U.S. strikes that killed Indian seafarers and the U.S. justification for the attack.