US Strikes on Gulf Tankers Claim Indian Lives

On 8 June 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex after it allegedly ignored repeated warnings. The next day an F-18 from the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln struck the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, killing three Indian crew members. On 10 June, CENTCOM hit the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer; all twenty Indian seafarers were rescued.

Al Jazeera (website)

The United States imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports on 13 April 2026 to pressure Tehran after the U.S.–Israel strikes. The blockade targets any vessel carrying sanctioned Iranian oil, regardless of flag, and has focused attention on the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of world oil transits.

The Guardian

• 8 June: MT Marivex struck; 24 Indian crew rescued.

India calls for unimpeded shipping through Strait of Hormuz as US strikes claim three Indian sailors’ lives

• 9 June: MT Settebello hit; 21 Indian crew rescued, three dead (Aditya Sharma, Shivanand Chaurasiya, Patnala Suresh).

Al Jazeera (website)

• 10 June: MT Jalveer disabled; 20 Indian crew evacuated safely.

Third Tanker Disabled by U.S. Forces This Week Puts Focus on Indian Seafarers

India provides over 300,000 seafarers to the global fleet and about 18,000 to the Gulf. The three incidents involved 68 Indian nationals, a sizable share of the 13 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the corridor.

The Jerusalem Post

Deaths have strained India-U.S. ties before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Donald Trump at the G7 in France. New Delhi summoned U.S. diplomat Jason Meeks, demanding an end to commercial-ship strikes and urging respect for freedom of navigation, a concern for the Quad and energy security.

CNN

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks “must stop” and urged dialogue. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called it a profound loss. Marco Rubio warned that “violations of the U.S. blockade will not be tolerated.” CENTCOM said the vessels “repeatedly failed to comply with directions” and were “non-compliant.”

Express Tribune

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions demanded a loud, firm response. FSUI called the strikes “a matter of serious concern” and asked for better crew protection. Indian National Congress framed the incident as a test of Modi’s diplomatic leverage, while MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the lack of U.S. condolence.

CNN

U.S. officials say the tankers ignored warnings; IOS Marine, manager of Settebello, says no warning was received and the vessel had no Iranian cargo. The Marivex’s owners claim the ship was stationary before the strike, contradicting CENTCOM. These conflicting accounts leave the legality unresolved.

BBC News

• “When a foreign military kills Indian workers in international waters, the government of India must speak – loudly and firmly,” — Centre of Indian Trade Unions

CNN

• “I have only one demand: that my son’s remains be brought back,” — Rajesh Sharma, father of Aditya Sharma

CNN

• “These attacks must cease and end,” — Randhir Jaiswal, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Al Jazeera (website)

India is expected to raise its protest during Modi’s G7 talks with Trump, seeking a U.S. expression of regret and assurances against future strikes. Both capitals will monitor the blockade’s enforcement as regional tensions persist.

CNN