U.S. Warns India Over Illegal Iranian Oil Shipments After Indian Sailors Killed in Gulf Attacks
U.S. warns India against illegal Iranian oil shipments, Indian sailors killed in U.S. strikes, Marco Rubio Jaishankar meeting, Iran oil trade sanctions, Strait of Hormuz tensions
New Delhi, June 14, 2026: The United States has warned India that it will not permit the illegal transportation of Iranian oil through commercial shipping routes, even as diplomatic tensions rise over recent U.S. attacks on vessels carrying Indian sailors near the Gulf region.
The warning came during a conversation between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, days after three Indian mariners were killed in U.S. missile strikes on merchant vessels near the coast of Oman.
India Protests U.S. Attacks That Killed Indian Seafarers
India strongly condemned the attacks and summoned a representative from the U.S. Embassy to register its protest. Following his discussion with Marco Rubio, S. Jaishankar said India had conveyed its serious concerns over the use of force against commercial vessels.
Jaishankar stated that attacks resulting in the deaths of Indian sailors were unacceptable and stressed that lethal action against civilian merchant ships could not be justified.
The incident has become a major point of disagreement between New Delhi and Washington ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 summit in France.
U.S. Defends Actions, Says Ships Must Follow Naval Instructions
According to the U.S. State Department, Marco Rubio informed India that American forces would continue enforcing restrictions against what Washington described as illegal Iranian oil trade.
The United States also said that all vessels operating in the region should comply with instructions issued by U.S. military forces responsible for maintaining security around the Strait of Hormuz.
The recent strikes targeted three vessels near Oman, including Marivex, Settebello, and Jalveer. The attacks occurred amid increasing tensions in West Asia following the wider conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel.
Conflicting Accounts Over Ship Attacks
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that the ships repeatedly ignored warnings from American forces and alleged that one vessel, Marivex, was attempting to transport cargo linked to Iran.
However, the management company of Settebello rejected the U.S. version of events, saying no warnings were received from the American Navy before the strike. The company stated that the vessel had been stationary near Oman for several days and demanded evidence supporting the U.S. claims.
These conflicting statements have raised questions about the circumstances that led to the deaths of Indian crew members.
Indian Leaders Demand Accountability
The issue has sparked strong political reactions in India. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the U.S. response, arguing that a strategic partner should have expressed regret and sympathy over the deaths of innocent Indian citizens.
Maritime unions have also urged the Indian government to increase protection for Indian-linked vessels operating in high-risk Gulf waters. They have called for stronger naval support, better intelligence sharing, and deeper coordination with Oman to ensure the safety of merchant ships.
Rising Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
The attacks have occurred during heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes through which a large share of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
The United States has intensified monitoring of shipping activities in the region as part of its pressure campaign against Iran’s oil trade. At the same time, the deaths of Indian sailors have added a new diplomatic challenge for India-U.S. relations.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump expected to meet soon at the G7 summit, the handling of maritime security, Iranian oil shipments, and the protection of Indian seafarers is likely to be a key point of discussion.
The developments highlight the complex balance India must maintain between protecting its citizens, securing energy interests, and managing strategic relations with both the United States and countries in the Middle East.
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