Are the frequent missile attacks on ships with Indian crew in the Strait of Hormuz a sign of rising war tensions? Could the attack on MT Jalveer and other ships be part of a larger international strategy? Why did India summon an American diplomat for the second time and register such a strong protest? Is this crisis going to deepen further after the death of 3 Indians in MT Setobello attack?
MEA Summons US Diplomat Twice: A very shocking and stressful news is emerging from the corridors of international diplomacy. Amidst the increasing military activity in the Gulf region, the Indian government has taken a very strong and unexpected step. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi has summoned US diplomat (Chargé d’Affaires) Jason Meeks for the second time in just 72 hours. The continuous missile attacks by the US Army on ships carrying Indian crew members have created a deep suspense and tension between the two democratic superpowers.
Scroll to load tweet…
Death rained from the sky: What happened on MT Jalveer near the Strait of Hormuz?
The newest and most terrifying chapter of this entire drama was written near the ‘Strait of Hormuz’. ‘MT Jalveer’, a huge commercial ship flagged by Guinea-Bissau, was moving at its normal speed. There were 20 Indian sailors on board this ship. Then suddenly this ship was targeted and attacked by the American Army. Although the Indian crew is said to be safe in this attack, this is the third such major attack on ships with Indian crew within three days. This incident has alarmed the Indian security agencies and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Scroll to load tweet…
That bloody scene in the Gulf of Oman: When three Indian sailors were killed
This anger and tension has not arisen suddenly, but behind it is a very painful and deadly incident that happened in the Gulf of Oman. Just a few days ago, Palau flagged tanker ‘MT Settebello’ was attacked by the US Army. This attack was so fatal that three Indian sailors died on the spot. There is a wave of anger across India after the loss of lives of Indian citizens in this action of the American Army. People fail to understand why the military of a friendly country is carrying out such deadly attacks on commercial ships.
Scroll to load tweet…
Demarche in closed room: What did the Ministry of External Affairs say to the American envoy?
As soon as the news of the attack on MT Jalveer reached New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs immediately came into action. Additional Secretary (America) of the ministry summoned the representative of the US Mission, Jason Meeks, to the office in South Block. According to sources, during this closed-door meeting, India has lodged a formal protest (demarche) with America in very strong words. Earlier on Wednesday also, Meeks was summoned after the ‘MT Setebello’ scandal. Issuing summons to the diplomat for the second time in a row clearly shows that India is in no mood for any kind of compromise on this issue.
A game of friendship or enmity? The real suspense behind American attacks in the Gulf
Now the eyes of the whole world are fixed on what explanation America gives on these attacks. After all, why is the US Army repeatedly targeting ships carrying Indian sailors in the Gulf region? Is this a huge strategic mistake, or is there some secret game going on in this area of the sea which has not been revealed to the world yet? These attacks have not only raised questions on the security of global trade routes, but have also created a lot of suspense over the future of the strengthening relationship between India and America.