India has summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi following an attack on a commercial tanker near the coast of Oman that left three Indian nationals missing. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks was called in on Wednesday to receive a formal protest. The incident has triggered diplomatic tension between the two countries.

The tanker, named Settébello, carried 24 Indian crew members. Twenty-one were rescued after the attack, while three remain unaccounted for. UK-based maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the strike may have resulted from a US military operation aimed at blocking Iranian ports. The US Central Command stated that the vessel was attempting to breach sanctions by heading toward Iran and was disabled by precision fire targeting its engine room.

India expressed deep concern over the attack, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of civilian ships and sailors in international waters. Coordination with Omani authorities is ongoing to locate the missing crew members.