Key Facts
The mortal remains of two Indian nationals killed in the US Navy attack on the vessel MT Settebello have been repatriated to India. The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed the return of the bodies of Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasiya on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The attack occurred last week when US forces opened fire on the MT Settebello, accusing it of violating a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued, while three were confirmed dead.
Diplomatic Fallout
India has strongly protested the incident. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterating India's condemnation of lethal actions against commercial shipping. The Ministry of External Affairs also summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a formal protest.
At the G7 Summit in Evian, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the impact of maritime disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
Impact on Seafarers and Global Trade
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of seafarers in the Gulf region. PM Modi emphasized that ensuring secure sea routes is a collective responsibility. India has expressed readiness to work with international partners to protect maritime trade and seafarer safety.
What Readers Should Know
- The repatriation of the mortal remains marks a somber moment for the families of the victims.
- India continues to demand accountability and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
- The G7 Summit provided a platform for India to underscore the importance of maritime security and conflict resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the MT Settebello?
The vessel was fired upon by US forces who accused it of violating a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Three Indian crew members were killed, 21 rescued.
How did India respond to the attack?
India summoned the US Charge d'Affaires, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and PM Modi raised the issue at the G7 Summit.
Who were the Indian victims?
The two victims whose remains have been repatriated are Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasiya. A third Indian mariner also died in the incident.