Priyanka Gandhi Questions Centre Over Response To Death Of Three Indian Sailors

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday criticised the Central government over the deaths of three Indian sailors killed in a US military strike on the commercial tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, saying the Prime Minister should raise the matter directly with US President Donald Trump at the ongoing G7 Summit. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, has triggered diplomatic concern after three Indian crew members lost their lives when the vessel was struck during a US operation targeting ships accused of violating a naval blockade in the region.

According to reports, 21 other Indian sailors aboard the tanker were rescued, while three were later confirmed dead after search operations. Speaking on the issue, Priyanka Gandhi said it was important for India to be more assertive in addressing the deaths of its citizens abroad and questioned the government’s response so far. She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is attending the G7 Summit in Europe, should directly raise the issue with the US leadership and seek accountability.

Her remarks come amid rising political pressure on the government over the incident, with opposition leaders arguing that India’s response has been restrained despite the loss of Indian lives in an international military action. The controversy has also added to broader scrutiny of India’s diplomatic approach during global conflicts involving major powers. The MT Settebello incident took place in the Gulf of Oman, where US forces carried out strikes on the tanker after alleging that it was attempting to breach restrictions related to Iranian oil shipments.

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US authorities have stated that multiple warnings were issued before the strike, though the operation has drawn criticism from India following the deaths of its nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi to register a formal protest over the incident, marking repeated diplomatic engagement with Washington on the matter.

India has expressed concern over the safety of its seafarers, who form a significant portion of global maritime crews. As the G7 Summit continues, the issue is expected to remain a point of political and diplomatic attention, with calls from opposition parties for stronger engagement by the Indian leadership in protecting citizens affected by overseas conflicts.

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