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Three Indian seafarers have died following an attack on the Palau-flagged commercial vessel MT Settebello off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday.

Addressing a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had lodged a strong protest with the United States over the incident.

"When this particular attack happened on Palau-flagged MT Settebello, we lodged a strong protest with the American side. We called in the American CDA, and informed them of our deepest concerns about the ongoing incidents of attacks, and we registered a strong protest with them. These attacks came from the US Navy stationed there. The three ships that have been involved in the incidents are foreign-flagged. They are not Indian owned ships; they are all foreign flagships," Jaiswal said.

India Had Earlier Condemned Attack

A day earlier, the MEA had condemned the attack on MT Settebello and expressed concern over the safety of Indian crew members onboard.

#WATCH | Delhi | Three Indian seafarers have died in an attack on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello off the coast of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz

MEA Spox Randhir Jaiswal says, "When this particular attack happened on Palau-flagged MT Settebello, we lodged a strong protest… pic.twitter.com/DVaiAoshzw

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2026

In its statement, the ministry said that 24 Indians were aboard the vessel when it came under attack off the coast of Oman.

"Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," the statement said.

Government Summoned US Diplomat

Following the incident, the External Affairs Ministry summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and conveyed India's concerns over the attack.

New Delhi condemned the strike on the commercial vessel and expressed alarm over the continuing attacks on shipping in the region.

The government described the incidents as "deeply worrisome" and linked them to the ongoing conflict in the region.

India Calls For De-Escalation

The MEA reiterated India's call for an immediate reduction in tensions and urged all sides to pursue a diplomatic resolution.

"The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. 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 ministry said.

India also stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must cease and called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.