Tharoor Slams US Over Death of Three Indian Sailors in Gulf Attack

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, June 14, 2026: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the United States for its response to the killing of three Indian crew members aboard an oil tanker attacked by US forces in the Gulf region last week, describing Washington as an "insensitive friend".

Expressing shock over the US statement following the incident, Tharoor said it contained no expression of regret or condolence for the loss of innocent Indian lives despite the two countries being strategic partners.

The attack took place off the Oman coast when the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello came under fire. Of the 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians, 21 Indian nationals were rescued, while three lost their lives. The deceased were identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh.

India lodged a diplomatic protest with the United States, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly conveying to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the use of lethal force against the vessel was unjustified.

In response, the US maintained that violations of its blockade and the transport of Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz would not be tolerated, adding that commercial vessels must comply with orders issued by US forces operating in the region.

Questioning the use of deadly force, Tharoor asked why non-lethal methods could not have been employed to stop a non-compliant commercial vessel. He suggested that a ship’s propulsion or steering systems could be disabled without endangering civilian crew members.

The Congress leader also noted that Indian sailors form a significant portion of the workforce on merchant vessels operating in Gulf waters and questioned whether such crews were being placed at risk by US actions.

"This approach is unacceptable," he said, expressing hope that India had conveyed its concerns strongly to Washington.

According to reports, at least three foreign tankers carrying Indian crew members have come under attack by US forces in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz in the past week. The US military has said the vessels were allegedly transporting Iranian oil and had failed to comply with its directives.

India has termed the attacks on merchant vessels "deeply concerning" and called for an end to such incidents amid escalating tensions in West Asia and growing disruption to international shipping.