India Slams U.S. Attacks; Trump Flags Threat To Indian Ships
WASHINGTON,D.C./NEW DELHI– U.S. President Donald Trump on June 12 claimed that an attempted drone attack on Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz had been foiled, calling the alleged incident “totally unacceptable” and adding to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a drone attack against “Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait” had been “totally rebuffed.” He did not identify the vessels involved or provide evidence for the claim, and there was no immediate response from Iranian authorities.
The remarks came amid escalating concerns over maritime security in the region and as India lodged a fresh diplomatic protest with Washington over recent U.S. attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers.
India on June 12 summoned U.S. Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks for a second time this week and conveyed its strong objections over attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, including an incident that killed three Indian nationals.
In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it had raised concerns over the continuing attacks on vessels carrying Indian mariners.
“A strong protest was lodged regarding the continuing attacks by U.S. naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the ministry said.
The MEA said the use of lethal force against civilian shipping was “unacceptable” and undermined the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce.
The diplomatic move came as the United States acknowledged details of its action against MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), a U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the vessel’s engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. CENTCOM said the tanker was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of an ongoing U.S. naval blockade.
The attack followed earlier incidents involving the Palau-flagged vessels MT Settebello and MT Marivex. Three Indian seafarers were killed aboard MT Settebello, while all 20 Indian crew members aboard MT Jalveer were rescued safely with assistance from Omani authorities.
Responding to India’s protest, a U.S. State Department official said Washington remains engaged with New Delhi.
“The Department of State is in direct contact with the Indian government regarding this matter,” the official said.
India has urged an immediate halt to attacks on commercial vessels and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best path to restoring peace and stability in the region. The government has also emphasized the need to ensure unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
As concerns grow over the safety of Indian crews in conflict-affected waters, the government said it is coordinating with the MEA, Indian Navy, overseas missions and other stakeholders to support seafarers. The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society will provide Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the three deceased sailors, while authorities have placed maritime agencies on heightened alert and advised seafarers and vessel operators to exercise maximum caution. (IANS)
Stay updated with Breaking News Recently from India and USA News from the United States, covering the latest developments in politics, economy, technology, sports, entertainment, and global affairs. Get real-time updates, urgent headlines, and in-depth coverage designed for an India-focused audience while staying informed about key events shaping both India and the USA.
