New Delhi, June 11 (SANA) Three Indian sailors reported missing after a U.S. strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman have been confirmed dead, India’s ports minister said on Thursday.
Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s minister of ports, shipping and waterways, announced the deaths after the crew members had been listed as missing following the attack.
The United States said it carried out a “precision strike” on the tanker after the vessel failed to comply with instructions and was transporting Iranian oil.
The incident has drawn a diplomatic response from New Delhi. Indian sources told Reuters that India summoned the deputy chief of the U.S. mission and lodged what they described as a strong protest over the strike.
The deaths come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region and growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes.
N.J/ABD
