India Summons US Chargé d’Affaires Over Attack on Indian-Linked Tanker in Arabian Sea
India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced that it has summoned the United States chargé d’affaires in New Delhi following an attack by American forces on an oil tanker linked to India off the coast of the Arabian Sea. This move came after New Delhi strongly condemned the attack and demanded an official explanation from Washington.
According to a Reuters report, Nagaraj Naidu, India’s Deputy Foreign Secretary, called in US chargé d’affaires Jason Mix and sought clarity on the circumstances and reasons for the attack. Indian officials have stated that the matter is being pursued vigorously through diplomatic channels.
The targeted tanker, named M/T Marivex and flying the flag of Palau, was underway with 28 crew members on board, 24 of whom were Indian nationals. No further details have been released regarding the condition of the crew or possible damages.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that the vessel was attempting to move toward Iranian waters, a claim which prompted a stern reaction from Indian authorities regarding the attack. So far, there have been no reports on the potential implications of this incident for the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
