New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday expressed grief at the loss of three Indian sailors off the coast of Oman, urging the Indian government to ensure the safety of other Indians stranded in similarly precarious circumstances in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
“The Indian National Congress expresses profound grief at the tragic loss of three Indian sailors off the coast of Oman. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones and stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time,” said the Congress in a statement.
“We also strongly condemn the reckless military actions undertaken by the United States that have endangered civilian shipping and maritime personnel in the region. The Prime Minister, who has repeatedly showcased his personal rapport with President Donald Trump as a diplomatic achievement, cannot evade responsibility when that relationship fails to protect Indian lives and interests,” said the statement.
“We urge the Government to provide immediate assistance and adequate compensation to the affected families, ensure the swift repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased sailors, and facilitate the safe return of those rescued alive,” said the Congress.
“We further demand that the Government take all necessary diplomatic measures to establish accountability for this tragedy and ensure the safety and well-being of other Indians stranded in similarly precarious circumstances in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman,” said the party.
Earlier, in a statement issued on X, Pawan Khera, chairman of the media and publicity department of AICC, questioned the logic behind the attack on the oil tanker in which the Indian seafarers were killed.
He wondered why ‘friends’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi behave like enemies of India.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said on Thursday that efforts were underway to evacuate Indian nationals from MT Jalveer to Shinas Port with the support of the Royal Navy of Oman.
“Evacuation of crew from MT Jalveer to Shinas port is being coordinated with assistance from the Royal Navy of Oman, and shall soon be complete,” the Indian mission posted on X.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal said that all 20 Indian seafarers on board MT Jalveer are safe after the vessel came under attack off the Shinas port in Oman.
He said that India remains concerned over repeated disruptions to commercial shipping, while reiterating the importance of secure and uninterrupted navigation through international waters in line with international law.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia over the last few days. We attach the highest importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafaring community, and there is no need to re-emphasise this point.”
“Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, three Indian nationals lost their lives. We had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires to register a strong protest,” said Jaiswal.
(IANS)
