Until now, the impact of the US-Iran conflict on India, though enormous in economic terms, has been secondary. Now, however, it is direct, in that it is causing the death of Indian citizens.
In the latest incident, United States military strikes on tankers in the Gulf of Oman have resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners aboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) targeted the ship’s engine room with precision munitions, citing a breach of the ongoing blockade aimed at halting Iranian oil exports. F/A-18 aircraft fired into the engineering spaces after the ship repeatedly failed to ‘comply with instructions’. The strike ignited an internal engine room fire. While Omani and Indian authorities rescued 21 of the 24 Indian crew members, three Indian sailors were trapped and later confirmed dead. This follows a nearly identical strike on the Palau-flagged Marivex—also carrying a 24-person all-Indian crew—which was disabled by the US Navy in the Gulf of Oman after reportedly ignoring blockade directives.
In a situation where the US President isn’t aware of even what the status is of the ‘operation’ in Iran and is incapable of answering direct questions on the subject as witnessed in a recent television interview, it is difficult for all the nations involved to expect any kind of an early resolution. This means steps have to be taken not just to diversify energy sources but also to ensure the safety of Indian mariners. As it is, tensions have forced international operators to rethink routes, spiking the risk of shipping delays, insurance premiums, and global supply chain vulnerabilities. The enforcement of blockades has turned international waters into a highly dangerous combat zone. Commercial vessels manned by South Asian crew members (who form a massive portion of the global maritime workforce) are being increasingly caught in the crossfire.
New Delhi has summoned the United States’ top diplomat in Delhi in this regard. India has also formally protested the strikes, demanding accountability and emphasising that targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must end.
It is extremely unfortunate that India is being increasingly pulled into the volatile situation that has developed. Particularly at a time when efforts are on to not just negotiate a trade deal, but also restore trust with the US. Despite the fact that relations with the US have rarely been entirely positive, the fact remains that, being thriving democracies, the two countries have a high compatibility quotient. PM Modi has attempted to strengthen this relationship but present circumstances are taking matters in a different direction. All that can be hoped for is a quick resolution of the conflict, but it would be wise to prepare for even worse.
