'Why are you dragging us into your conflict? We are not military personnel': Indian seafarers in Iran allege US is targeting vessels carrying Indians

India's growing maritime crisis in the Gulf has brought the plight of Indian seafarers into sharp focus, with sailors caught in the middle of escalating tensions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

A distress message circulating from Indian crew members operating near Iran has underscored their fears.

"We are in Iran. Only Indian ships are being attacked by the US. We are not military personnel. Why are you dragging us into your conflict?" the sailors reportedly said, appealing for urgent intervention.

The call comes amid a series of incidents involving vessels carrying Indian crew members in and around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

The latest concern involves Indian national Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died due to medical conditions aboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port in Oman.

On Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Oman said it remains in close contact with Uirthanathan's family, crew members and relevant authorities as efforts continue to repatriate his mortal remains at the earliest.

"The Embassy remains in close touch with family members of the Indian national Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan who unfortunately lost his life due to medical conditions, crew members of the vessel and concerned authorities. Efforts are underway to facilitate the earliest possible disembarkation and repatriation of his mortal remains," the Embassy said.

The Embassy had earlier confirmed that necessary arrangements were being made for the early repatriation of the deceased sailor.

His death has drawn attention after the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) alleged that delays in medical evacuation may have contributed to the tragedy. The union had also appealed for urgent assistance to bring his body back to India.

The incident comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed aboard the commercial vessel Settebello following an attack off the coast of Oman.

Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued while three lost their lives.

Another vessel, MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian sailors, also came under attack near Shinas port in Oman. All crew members were rescued with the assistance of Omani authorities.

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

The repeated incidents have triggered a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi.

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

"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.

The ministry described the use of lethal force against civilian shipping as "unacceptable" and said such actions undermine the safety and stability of international maritime commerce.

The protest marked the second time in less than 48 hours that India had summoned the senior US diplomat over attacks involving Indian sailors.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also raised the issue directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified," Jaishankar said after speaking with his American counterpart.

The crisis has highlighted India's difficult position amid the broader West Asia conflict. While New Delhi has sought to maintain a balanced approach in the region, Indian sailors and commercial shipping have increasingly found themselves caught in the crossfire.

India supplies one of the world's largest pools of seafarers and relies heavily on Gulf shipping routes for trade and energy imports. As tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz, concerns are growing among sailors and their families that civilian mariners are paying the price for a conflict they are not part of.

For many of those currently sailing through the region, the message remains simple: they are commercial seafarers, not combatants, and they want to return home safely.