Congress has criticized the United States for its harsh reaction and expressed disapproval of what they see as India’s weak response to the American Navy’s attack on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The incident resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. Congress members also called out External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for not being assertive enough in conveying India’s position during his discussion with US counterpart Marco Rubio.
Manish Tewari, a Congress MP, described the incident as “extremely unfortunate,” highlighting a lack of sensitivity towards India’s concerns. He pointed out the absence of regret or empathy in the US response and criticized the implied message that violators of US embargoes in the State of Hormuz would face consequences.
Tewari emphasized the need for a stronger stance from Jaishankar in response to what he termed as the US government’s coarse behavior. Another Congress leader, Pawan Khera, echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment in Jaishankar’s mild language and lack of firm representation of India’s position following the loss of Indian lives in the incident.
Khera highlighted the failure to receive a strong condemnation or apology from the US, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Geneva Convention of 1949, which prohibits attacks on commercial vessels in such a manner. Jaishankar, in a social media post, reiterated India’s protest against the US Navy’s actions in the Gulf, emphasizing that such attacks on commercial shipping are unjustifiable.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US’ Charge d’Affaires in response to the incident.
