'Deeply shocking': Shashi Tharoor says 'friend' US offered no condolences for Indian sailors killed in Oman strike

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed deep shock and criticism towards the United States for its perceived insensitivity following the deaths of three Indian sailors in an American military strike. Tharoor highlighted that the official U.S. statement lacked any expression of regret or condolence for the loss of innocent Indian lives, questioning the nature of the U.S.-India relationship.

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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?

"How can a 'friend' and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?" Tharoor wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He further questioned the necessity of lethal force, asking why alternative, non-lethal methods were not employed to disable the vessel involved. Tharoor specifically inquired if it was impossible to stop a ship without firing missiles aimed at killing civilian crew members.

Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the incident with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following their conversation, Jaishankar described the U.S. military's actions against commercial shipping as unjustified. However, Washington firmly asserted that violations of its regional naval blockade would not be tolerated.

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Why couldn’t a non-compliant commercial vessel have been stopped using other, non-lethal means?

The incident involved a Palau-flagged oil tanker, Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, which was disabled by U.S. forces on June 8. All crew members were rescued. Subsequently, on June 10, the U.S. struck another Palau-flagged tanker, Settebello, resulting in the deaths of three Indian crew members. Another vessel, Jalveer, also carrying Indian nationals, was attacked on Thursday. These events have heightened concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the strategically vital waters, prompting New Delhi to convey its concerns to Washington regarding the loss of Indian lives.

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Is it not possible to disable a ship's propulsion or steering without firing missiles targeted to kill civilian crew members?