India Registers Protest Over Continuous Attacks On Ships Off Coast Of Oman
India strongly condemned the recent attack on a Palau-flagged tanker MT Setebello off the coast of Oman, in which three Indian nationals lost their lives. Addressing Inter – Ministerial media briefing in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that in this regard the government has lodged a strong protest by summoning the US Chargé d’Affaires. Mr Jaiswal noted that the continuing attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and linked to the ongoing conflict. He called for an immediate cessation of such incidents and emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.
Additional Secretary for the Gulf Division, Aseem R. Mahajan said, the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia. He said efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community, with embassies and consulates in the region operating round-the-clock helplines and maintaining close coordination with local authorities. Mr Mahajan highlighted that the vessel MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was targeted off the coast of Oman on 8th of this month. He added that all crew members have been safely rescued and are expected to return to India soon.
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mukesh Mangal expressed concern over recent incidents involving merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf region and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers. Mr Mangal said that the Ministry is in touch with the families of the deceased and all necessary assistance is being provided. The Seamen Welfare Fund Society has been directed to provide an ex-gratia payment of 10 lakh rupees to the families of each deceased seafarer.
He further informed that today, the bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau flagged vessel, was involved in a maritime security incident near Shinas Port in Oman. The vessel had 20 Indian crew members on board, all of them are reported to be safe, and evacuation operations are currently underway.
Additional Secretary of Department of Fertilizers, Aparna S. Sharma, informed that the overall stock position of fertilizers in the country remains stable. She said that the government has taken several steps, including joint ventures and active engagement through Indian missions abroad, to secure raw materials and finished fertilizers from various countries.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma said that the supply of crude oil, petrol, diesel, LPG, and natural gas in the country is stable and the domestic refineries are operating at peak capacity. She added that over the past three days, 1.40 crore LPG cylinder bookings have been received, while 1.49 crore cylinders have been delivered. (upated on 11th June 2026)
