Key Facts
Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday (June 14, 2026) launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US statements following the killing of three Indian sailors in American attacks off the coast of Oman. Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister is 'compromised' and acts like an 'obedient servant' who complies with US orders.
Rahul Gandhi's Remarks
In a series of posts in Hindi on X, Mr. Gandhi said, 'Just days after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks there is neither regret nor apology. On the contrary, the U.S. continues to issue orders.' He quoted US statements saying 'Obey U.S. military orders immediately' and 'No violation will be tolerated.'
'A sovereign nation would never tolerate such language. But our compromised PM? Silent. He listens like an obedient servant and complies with the orders,' Mr. Gandhi said. He added, 'A compromised PM will not defend the nation's honor because he is beholden to those who insult the country.'
Mr. Gandhi also referred to the death of an Indian national, Nishanth Uirthanathan, due to medical complications aboard a vessel at Duqm Port in Oman. He demanded, 'Bring this Indian home. Now.'
US-India Diplomatic Exchanges
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (June 12, 2026) to lodge a strong protest against the death of Indian nationals. According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, Mr. Rubio stressed that all commercial vessels should immediately comply with orders from US forces and that violations of the US blockade and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated.
Earlier, India summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks in New Delhi and termed the lethal strikes on commercial vessels with Indian crew as unacceptable. US President Donald Trump, however, accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks against Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, a claim vehemently rejected by Iran.
Impact and Reactions
The incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between India and the US. The Indian embassy in Muscat confirmed the death of Nishanth Uirthanathan and said arrangements are being made for repatriation of mortal remains. The Iranian Embassy in India dismissed Trump's allegations as an attempt to divert attention from the US attacks on Indian vessels.
What Readers Should Know
- Three Indian sailors were killed in US military strikes on commercial vessels off Oman coast on June 10, 2026.
- India has lodged strong protests with the US, both through the External Affairs Minister and by summoning the US Charge d'Affaires.
- The US has imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz since April 13, disrupting shipping traffic.
- Rahul Gandhi has accused PM Modi of failing to defend India's honour and acting as a 'compromised PM'.
FAQ
What did Rahul Gandhi say about PM Modi's response to US strikes?
Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of being a 'compromised PM' who listens like an obedient servant and complies with US orders, failing to defend India's honour after three Indian sailors were killed.
How many Indian sailors died in the US attacks?
Three Indian sailors were killed in US military strikes on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman in the Gulf of Oman.
What was the US response to India's protest?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that violations of the US blockade and illicit transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated, and that all commercial vessels must comply with US orders.
What is the status of the Indian sailor who died on the vessel at Duqm Port?
The Indian embassy in Muscat confirmed the death of Nishanth Uirthanathan due to medical complications. His mortal remains are on the vessel at Duqm Port, and arrangements are being made for repatriation to India.