India On 'Highest Alert' Near Hormuz After US Strike Kills 3 Indian Seafarers: 'Ready To Respond'

Published 12 June 2026 · india

India On 'Highest Alert' Near Hormuz After US Strike Kills 3 Indian Seafarers: 'Ready To Respond' Published By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 09:57 IST

India On 'Highest Alert' Near Hormuz After US Strike Kills 3 Indian Seafarers: 'Ready To Respond' Published By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 09:57 IST The government said it was coordinating with the Navy, Indian Missions abroad, friendly maritime administrations and other relevant stakeholders to protect Indian seafarers. Rapid Read MV Settebello was attacked by US forces near Oman on Wednesday. (ANI) The Indian government is on the “highest alert" and is monitoring developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining maritime areas to safeguard Indian seafarers in the region, following a US missile strike that killed three Indian sailors. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a statement on Thursday that it was closely coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad, maritime administrations of friendly countries, shipping companies, seafarers’ welfare organisations and other relevant stakeholders to ensure timely support and assistance to Indian seafarers. It highlighted that recent security incidents involving merchant vessels operating in the region have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial shipping.

The government has directed all agencies to remain on heightened alert and to be prepared to respond to any contingency related to Indian seafarers or maritime interests. “The Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf region and remains fully committed to the safety, security and welfare of every Indian seafarer. All relevant ministries, agencies and missions abroad are working in close coordination to ensure timely support and assistance whenever required," said Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. All stakeholders have been directed to promptly report any incident involving Indian seafarers to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to facilitate immediate intervention and coordination, while dedicated communication channels and emergency response mechanisms are also in place for round-the-clock assistance. Three Indian Seafarers Killed The incident involved the Palau-flagged tanker MV Settebello, which was struck by a missile on June 10 while operating off Sohar in the Gulf of Oman. The Medium Range Tanker was carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indian seafarers.

The government confirmed that three Indian seafarers were killed in the attack. India strongly condemned the incident, summoning US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodging a formal demarche. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the continuing attacks on shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome" and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions. ALSO READ: Six Dead, Thousands At Risk: Why So Many Indian Sailors Endanger Their Lives In ‘Choppy’ West Asian Waters The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) also condemned the strike. IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez called any action that endangers seafarers and civilian shipping “simply unacceptable" and urged a full and transparent investigation into the incident. However, the US has maintained that its military carried out a “precision" strike on the tanker, alleging that the vessel was transporting Iranian oil and had failed to comply with instructions. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the attack as an act of “armed robbery and state piracy" and urged the international community to hold Washington accountable for such strikes.