New Delhi:: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence regarding the recent killing of three Indian sailors in a United States military strike. Pointing to the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to the G7 summit, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha accused the government of failing to protect citizens on international waters and compromising the strategic autonomy of the country.
The controversy erupts after three Indian seafarers lost their lives when the US Navy targeted the Palau flagged oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. The deceased crew members have been identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya, and chief engineer Patnala Suresh. The attack is part of an ongoing naval blockade enforced by Washington following severe geopolitical friction and shipping disruptions near the critical Strait of Hormuz route.
Expressing strong disapproval on the social media platform X, Gandhi questioned why the central government has remained completely silent on the tragedy. He wrote that when any foreign power murders an Indian citizen, the Prime Minister is obligated to speak up. Gandhi further alleged that during the G7 summit next week, the Prime Minister will smile, embrace world leaders, and sign agreements, but will not have a single word to spare for the deceased Indian sailors. He claimed that a compromised leader lacks the necessary courage or strength to confront external powers who take Indian lives.
In a parallel diplomatic development, the Ministry of External Affairs has taken a serious view of the situation by summoning the American chargĂ© d’affaires in New Delhi. Indian officials have lodged a fresh and strong protest with the US embassy, marking the second time this week that diplomats have been summoned over recurring strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members.
The tragedy has left the families of the deceased sailors completely devastated and sparked immense anxiety within the Indian seafaring community. Family members shared their profound grief, stating that the victims were looking forward to returning home before their lives were cut short. The incident has raised critical questions about maritime safety for thousands of Indian professionals employed in international merchant shipping.
As the political crossfire intensifies at home, the situation poses a delicate diplomatic challenge for New Delhi. Balancing its deep strategic and economic partnership with the United States while aggressively safeguarding the lives of its global workforce will require careful navigation in the coming days.