The Indian National Congress on Thursday, 11 June strongly condemned the attack on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian sailors, urging the Indian government to secure the safety of nationals stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The opposition party also held the Centre accountable for failing to protect Indian lives despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's much-publicised personal ties with US President Donald Trump.

Congress Statement: Grief and Condemnation

In a formal statement, the Congress said it expressed “profound grief at the tragic loss of three Indian sailors off the coast of Oman” and extended condolences to the bereaved families. The party went further, squarely condemning what it called “reckless military actions undertaken by the United States that have endangered civilian shipping and maritime personnel in the region.”

The statement did not hold back on the political dimension. “The Prime Minister, who has repeatedly showcased his personal rapport with President Donald Trump as a diplomatic achievement, cannot evade responsibility when that relationship fails to protect Indian lives and interests,” Congress said. The party demanded immediate financial assistance and compensation for affected families, swift repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased, and safe return of those rescued alive.

Pawan Khera Raises Sharp Questions

Pawan Khera, chairman of the media and publicity department of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), raised pointed questions in a post on X about the logic behind the attack on the tanker in which the Indian seafarers were killed. Khera questioned why those described as ‘friends’ of Prime Minister Modi were behaving, in his words, like enemies of India.

Evacuation Underway, All 20 Crew Members Safe

The Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed on Thursday that efforts were underway to evacuate Indian nationals from MT Jalveer to Shinas Port with support from the Royal Navy of Oman. “Evacuation of crew from MT Jalveer to Shinas port is being coordinated with assistance from the Royal Navy of Oman, and shall soon be complete,” the Indian mission posted on X.

At a press briefing, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed that all 20 Indian seafarers on board MT Jalveer are safe following the attack off Shinas port in Oman. Mangal reiterated India’s concern over “repeated disruptions to commercial shipping” and stressed the importance of uninterrupted navigation through international waters in accordance with international law.

MEA Registers Strong Protest with US

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires to register a strong protest following the attack. “We have seen several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia over the last few days. We attach the highest importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafaring community,” Jaiswal said. He added that India had formally condemned the attack on the previous day, making this one of the most direct diplomatic escalations with Washington in recent memory over a maritime incident.

Broader Context: Rising Danger in the Gulf

This comes amid a sharp deterioration in maritime security across the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, a critical corridor for global oil and trade flows. The attack on MT Jalveer is part of a pattern of incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in recent weeks, according to the MEA. India, which has a large diaspora of merchant mariners serving on vessels transiting this route, faces mounting pressure to assert its diplomatic weight in protecting its citizens at sea. The summoning of the US Charge d’Affaires signals a rare but significant escalation in India’s response posture.