India summons US diplomat to protest attack on vessel off Oman

India has summoned the charge d'affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi, Jason Meeks, to protest the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, Indian External Affairs Ministry sources told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.

The summoning came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that US forces disabled an oil tanker late Tuesday, alleging that the vessel had violated a maritime blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. The tanker, identified as Settebello, was attacked while sailing off the coast of Oman.

India condemned the attack on the vessel, which had 24 Indian crew members onboard. "Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 3 Indians are reportedly missing," the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The incident has raised tensions in the region, as the US maintains a naval presence in the Arabian Sea and has been intercepting vessels suspected of carrying Iranian oil in violation of sanctions. Iran has denied any involvement in the attack.

According to the report by Mehr News, the Indian government expressed deep concern over the safety of its citizens and demanded a full investigation into the incident. The US Embassy in New Delhi has not yet commented on the summoning.