India demands halt to US tanker strikes after 3 sailors killed

Thursday, June 11, 2026Confirmed

World Desk

What we know

India on Thursday urged the United States to stop strikes on commercial shipping after three U.S. attacks this week on Indian-crewed tankers in the Gulf of Oman, including one that killed three sailors. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths of cadet Aditya Sharma, fitter Shivanand Chaurashiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh aboard the Palau-flagged Settebello, struck Wednesday; 21 other Indian crew were rescued.

On Thursday, U.S. Central Command said forces had disabled the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer after it allegedly tried to move Iranian oil; Indian authorities said all 20 Indian crew were safely evacuated with Omani help. New Delhi had summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires Wednesday to protest the Settebello strike — the first reported sailor deaths since the U.S. blockade of Iran-linked shipping began in April.

What's confirmed

India: three Settebello sailors confirmed dead; names released; 21 others rescued (Reuters/BBC).
Thursday: CENTCOM disabled MT Jalveer; 20 Indian crew evacuated safe (BBC/Reuters/Indian Express).
Third Indian-crewed tanker hit this week after Monday’s Marivex (all 24 rescued) (BBC/gCaptain).
India summoned U.S. chargé Wednesday; shipping ministry urges halt to attacks on ships with Indian crews (Reuters).

What's still developing

Whether Washington adjusts ROE or escort protocols after New Delhi’s protest.
Status of ~13 Indian-flagged ships still reported stranded near Hormuz.
How any US-Iran ceasefire MOU addresses the naval blockade and crew safety.

Sources

Reuters — India demands end to US attacks on ships after three sailors killed link
BBC News — Three Indian sailors killed in US strike on oil tanker link
BBC News — Three ships attacked by the US in three days: What we know link
Indian Express — Third ship hit by US near Oman; all 20 Indians rescued link