• Three Indian seafarers are missing after a missile strike on the commercial tanker Settebello off the Omani coast; 21 crew members have been rescued.
  • India has condemned the attack and summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission in Delhi to register its protest.
  • The incident underscores rising maritime risks in the Gulf region, with potential implications for shipping costs and energy markets.

Diplomatic Response

India summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi on Thursday to lodge a formal protest over the missile strike on the tanker Settebello, which left three Indian nationals missing, according to people familiar with the matter. The attack occurred late Tuesday off the coast of Oman, in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the attack and urging “restraint and adherence to international law.” Search-and-rescue operations, coordinated with Omani authorities, are ongoing, but the missing crew members have not yet been located.

Broader Implications

The strike on the Settebello is the latest in a series of maritime incidents in the region, where heightened geopolitical tensions have led to increased targeting of commercial vessels. “This is a stark reminder of the risks facing civilian shipping in the Gulf,” said a maritime security analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Without a swift de-escalation, we could see insurance premiums spike and shipping routes diverted, raising costs for global trade.”

The incident has also reignited calls for enhanced naval patrols and diplomatic efforts to ensure safe passage through the Hormuz corridor. “We have a constant dialogue with our partners to protect freedom of navigation,” a US official said, declining to comment on the specific allegations. India, for its part, has a history of summoning foreign diplomats over maritime incidents involving its citizens, signaling a firm stance on crew safety.

Market Reaction

Shipping and energy markets are closely watching the situation. Crude oil futures edged higher in early Asian trading on Friday, with Brent crude rising 0.3% to $85.20 a barrel, as traders priced in potential disruptions. “Any escalation in the Gulf tends to add a risk premium to oil,” noted a commodities strategist at a European bank. “The missing crew members add a humanitarian dimension that could amplify political pressure.”

*Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the tanker’s name as 'Settobello'. It has been corrected to 'Settebello'.