New Delhi protested to the US after three Indian sailors were killed when US forces struck the Palau‑flagged tanker Settebello off Oman, accusing it of violating Washington’s blockade on Iran. India summoned US deputy chief Jason Meeks to deliver a “strong protest”. Modi thanked Trump on social media, but avoided a direct clash. The incident risks disrupting bilateral trade flows valued in billions.

The foreign ministry condemned attacks on Gulf shipping without naming the United States, calling for immediate de‑escalation. It noted a spate of incidents involving India crews, including the rescue of the Palau‑flagged Marivex and the missile strike on the Guinea‑Bissau‑flagged Jalveer, whose crew is being evacuated. India supplies over 320,000 seafarers worldwide, making the safety of its nationals a commercial priority.

US Central Command said it disabled Settebello by firing precision munitions after the crew ignored directives, marking the ninth non‑compliant vessel since the April 13 blockade. The action underscores Washington’s aggressive oil‑flow interdiction, raising insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and prompting Indian operators to reassess routing risk. The incident sharpens geopolitical tension in a key energy corridor.