'Deeply Shocking': Shashi Tharoor Slams US For No Condolences After Indian Seafarers Killed In Strike

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 07:31 IST

Tharoor questioned Washington's response to the deaths of the Indian crew members and accused the US of displaying insensitivity towards a strategic partner.

Congress MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, strongly criticised the United States offering no condolences following the deaths of three Indian mariners in a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

Tharoor’s remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar amid growing concerns over the incident, which has sparked outrage in India.

In a sharply worded post on X, Tharoor questioned Washington’s response to the deaths of the Indian crew members and accused the US of displaying insensitivity towards a strategic partner.

“Deeply shocking to read this official US statement, which contains absolutely no expression of regret or condolence for the loss of innocent Indian lives. How can a ‘friend’ and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?" Tharoor wrote.

“Why couldn’t a non-compliant commercial vessel have been stopped using other, non-lethal means? Is it not possible to disable a ship’s propulsion or steering without firing missiles targeted to kill civilian crew members?" he said.

Highlighting the significant presence of Indian nationals in the global merchant shipping industry, Tharoor warned against treating civilian sailors as collateral damage in military operations.

“Practically every merchant ship navigating these crucial waters has Indian crew on board. Are they all considered fair game for US missiles now?" he asked.

“This approach is unacceptable and I hope @DrSJaishankar had said so to @marcorubio," Thiruvananthapuram MP added.

Three Indian Seafarers Killed 

The criticism follows the deaths of three Indian seafarers aboard the Liberia-flagged merchant vessel MV Eternity C, which was struck during a US military operation targeting threats in the Red Sea region. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions and ongoing military actions aimed at securing one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

The Red Sea has witnessed repeated attacks on commercial shipping since late 2023, prompting the United States and its allies to launch operations to protect maritime traffic. India, whose nationals constitute one of the largest groups of seafarers globally, has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety of civilian crews operating in conflict-affected waters.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India has sought detailed information regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths and has been in touch with US authorities.

About the Author

Devanshe PandeySenior Sub-Editor

Devanshe Pandey is a journalist with over six years of experience decoding the fast-moving worlds of politics and global affairs. Currently on the political and international desk at CNN-News18, she b...Read More

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