New Delhi, June 12: After three attacks by the American forces on vessels carrying its nationals, India lodged fresh protest today with the US by summoning its Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks in New Delhi to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This is the second time in three days that the Acting Ambassador of the US has been summoned by the MEA over recurrent attacks by the US military, which have claimed lives of three Indian nationals so far in the Gulf of Oman.
“A strong protest was lodged with him 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,” said a statement by the MEA.
“The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time,” it said.
“The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires was requested to convey India’s strong concerns to his authorities and to ensure that U.S. forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent the loss of civilian life,” the statement said.
The fresh summoning came a day after the third attack on a vessel with Indian crew in the Gulf of Oman since June 7.
He was summoned earlier on June 10 after an attack on Palau-flagged oil tanker killed 3 Indian crew. (NVI)
