The mortal remains of two Indian seafarers killed in the attack on MT Settebello have been repatriated to India, the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed on Wednesday, 17 June. The sailors, identified as Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasiya, were among three Indian nationals who lost their lives when the Palau-flagged vessel came under attack approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of Sohar, Oman.

What the Embassy Said

“The mortal remains of Mr. Aditya Sharma and Mr. Shivanand Chaurasiya, who tragically lost their lives in the attack on MT Settebello, have been repatriated to India. Our heartfelt condolences remain with their families during this difficult time,” the Embassy posted on X.

The Embassy also confirmed that all 21 rescued Indian crew members of MT Settebello are returning home safely from Oman. Prior to their departure, India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met with the crew, conveyed his best wishes, and acknowledged their resilience through what he described as a deeply difficult period.

The Attack on MT Settebello

MT Settebello was sailing in the Gulf of Oman when it was struck, with the vessel located about 30 nautical miles off Sohar at the time. The Oman Maritime Security Centre was immediately alerted, prompting a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation by Omani authorities. Of the crew aboard, 21 Indian nationals were rescued while 3 seafarers lost their lives.

The US military subsequently acknowledged responsibility for the strike. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces targeted the tanker after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions from US naval personnel and was reportedly attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing American blockade. CENTCOM stated that one of its aircraft fired on the vessel, disabling it after the crew repeatedly failed to respond to directions.

India’s Diplomatic Protest

The attack has triggered a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi. On 13 June, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lodged a formal protest over the killing of Indian seafarers by US naval forces on a commercial vessel.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to register India’s strong objection to what it called “continuing attacks by the US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf of Oman.” The MEA stated that “such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time.”

Meeks was specifically asked to convey India’s concerns to US authorities and to ensure that American forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent further civilian casualties.

Broader Implications for Maritime Safety

This incident marks a serious escalation in tensions over commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, a critical artery for global oil and trade flows. The loss of Indian lives on a civilian vessel struck by a US military aircraft raises significant questions about rules of engagement in contested maritime corridors. India’s unusually direct diplomatic pushback against Washington — including a formal summoning of the US envoy — signals the gravity with which New Delhi views the safety of its nationals at sea.

As the repatriated remains reach their families, the diplomatic fallout between India and the United States over the incident is expected to continue in the days ahead.