JAKARTA – The death of three Indian crew members in a US attack on a commercial oil tanker triggered public anger in India. This incident added new friction to an already tense phase between New Delhi and Washington.
On Wednesday morning, the M/T Settebello, which was carrying Iranian oil, was crossing the Sea of Oman when a US plane fired precision ammunition into its engine room.
The three people found dead after the attack on the Palau-flagged vessel were the first crew members confirmed dead in the US attack as part of Washington’s operation to blockade Iranian ports.
This situation raises concerns in India that its citizens will be victims in a war that is not their own.
New Delhi, which is increasingly concerned about the safety of its sailors during the US-Israeli war with Iran, is now urging Washington to stop attacking shipping vessels.
Over the past year, the once-strong relationship between India and the US has deteriorated as political and economic tensions have begun to overshadow their strategic partnership. Tensions have been exacerbated by high US tariffs on many Indian exports.
Washington has recently tried to improve relations with Delhi by appointing an ambassador to India and with a visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month.
However, New Delhi may now be looking for another signal from the US, as they try to dampen domestic pressure over the sailors’ deaths.
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