'Violations Will Not Be Tolerated': Rubio Responds to Jaishankar's Protest as Indian Vessel 'Virat 1' Reports Incident Off Oman Coast

The Indian Embassy in Oman said on Sunday that it has learnt of an incident involving the Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel 'Virat 1' off the coast of Oman. The vessel is reported to have 14 Indian crew members on board.

The Embassy said search and rescue operations are being coordinated with Omani authorities and vessels operating in the vicinity.

In a statement on X, the Embassy said, "The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew. Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incident."

The development comes amid growing concern over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Gulf region, where several incidents involving commercial vessels have been reported in recent days.

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman.

"A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives," the MEA said in a statement.

The ministry added that it had conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and urged the United States to ensure that its forces operating in the region take all necessary measures to prevent further loss of civilian life.

The summoning marked the second time in less than 48 hours that India had called in the US envoy over attacks involving commercial vessels carrying Indian crew.

The diplomatic row intensified after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday evening.

"Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India's strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified," Jaishankar posted on X.

Responding to India's concerns, Rubio defended Washington's maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the US State Department, Rubio said that violations of the American blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil through the Strait of Hormuz "will not be tolerated" and stressed that commercial vessels should comply with instructions issued by US forces operating in the region.

The latest incident involving Virat 1 follows a series of maritime emergencies involving Indian crew members.

On Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed that all 20 Indian crew members aboard MT Jalveer were rescued with the assistance of Omani authorities after the vessel came under attack near Shinas port in Oman.

A day earlier, commercial vessel Settebello was attacked off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued while three lost their lives.

Earlier, on June 8, a fire broke out aboard MT Marivex, which was carrying 24 Indian seafarers south of the Strait of Hormuz.

India, one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers and a major importer of Gulf energy, has closely monitored developments in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.

The deaths of Indian sailors and repeated attacks on commercial shipping have elevated the issue into a significant diplomatic concern for New Delhi.

The developments also come at a time when Washington and Tehran have indicated that they may be moving closer to an agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the Gulf, a move that could help restore normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz and ease disruptions in global energy markets.