Context: India has strongly condemned a series of military strikes by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on oil tankers manned by Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
About The US Attacks on Ships with Indian Crew:
What It Is?
- The incidents involve aggressive naval enforcement actions by US military forces carrying out a strict maritime blockade against Iranian energy exports. Since initiating the blockade, US Central Command has targeted, intercepted, and fired upon non-compliant commercial vessels attempting to transit regional waters with Iranian petroleum products.
Overview of the Ships Attacked:
- M/T Jalveer: A Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker targeted while transporting oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman. After the crew reportedly failed to comply with radio directions, a US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles directly into the ship’s engine room, disabling the vessel. Five of its 20 crew members were rescued by passing ships and brought to Oman.
- Settebello: A Palau-flagged oil tanker targeted by US forces off the Omani coast while allegedly attempting to breach the American blockade. The assault caused a massive fire, and three Indian national crew members were declared dead or missing.
- MT Marivex: An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers that caught fire south of the strategic Strait of Hormuz after being targeted by US naval forces.
Diplomatic & Maritime Laws Governing the Conflict:
- Freedom of Navigation (UNCLOS): UNCLOS guarantees neutral commercial vessels the right of innocent passage through international waters and key straits, protecting lawful maritime trade and civilian shipping.
- Sanctions Enforcement vs. Direct Warfare: While states may enforce sanctions through inspections or blockades, using lethal force against neutral civilian vessels raises concerns under established maritime law.
- Diplomatic Demarche Protocol: Summoning a foreign diplomat is a formal diplomatic protest, signaling serious concern while preserving channels for peaceful dialogue and dispute resolution.
Key Implications:
- The incident complicates India–US relations by creating tensions between strategic cooperation and India’s obligation to safeguard its citizens abroad.
- Growing risks in West Asian waters may discourage seafarers from accepting assignments, leading to workforce shortages and higher shipping costs.
- Conflict-related risks increase war-risk insurance premiums and freight charges, potentially raising global energy transportation and import costs.
