Three Indian sailors killed as US strikes tanker transporting oil from Iran
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
NEW DELHI – Three Indian sailors have been killed following a US military strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello came under attack on Wednesday after the US military accused it of failing to comply with directions issued by American forces. Officials said there were 24 Indian crew members on board at the time of the incident. Out of them, 21 sailors were rescued following the strike. Authorities confirmed that three Indian crew members lost their lives in the incident. India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote on X, “It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified. It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified. This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The… — Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 11, 2026 “This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” he wrote. “I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites.” Following the strike on Wednesday, the Indian government also summoned the deputy head of the US mission in Delhi. Earlier, in a post on X, US Central Command said the US forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. It disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A US aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repea