US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged India to ensure that all commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz immediately comply with directives issued by American forces, amid heightened tensions in the strategically important waterway and days after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US military strike near Oman. The remarks came during a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
According to reports, Rubio told Jaishankar that violations of the US naval blockade and the transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated. The warning comes as Washington continues to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict and heightened security concerns in the Gulf.
During the conversation, Jaishankar raised India's strong objections to recent US military actions that resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners. He reiterated New Delhi's position that lethal action against commercial shipping is unjustified and conveyed India's concerns over the safety of civilian seafarers operating in the region.
Also Read: Marco Rubio Compares UFC Event Atmosphere To Historic 1969 Moon Landing Moment
The diplomatic exchange follows a series of incidents involving Indian-crewed vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Three Indian crew members were killed after a US strike on the tanker Settebello, while two other vessels with Indian sailors on board were also targeted in separate incidents this week. India has formally protested the attacks and sought accountability from the United States.
In response to the fatalities, India summoned the senior-most American diplomat in New Delhi for the second time in a week to lodge a strong protest. The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed its deep concern over the attacks and stressed the importance of safeguarding commercial shipping and protecting the lives of civilian mariners operating in international waters.
The developments underscore growing diplomatic friction between New Delhi and Washington over maritime security in West Asia. While the United States has defended its actions as part of efforts to enforce its blockade and prevent the movement of Iranian oil, India has maintained that commercial vessels and civilian crews must not be exposed to lethal military action, even amid escalating regional tensions.
Also Read: Marco Rubio Declares ‘Epic Fury’ Over Despite Continued Iranian Drone Strikes