India Implements Sailor Protections After US and Iran Ship Attacks

The Government of India has launched new protection measures for its seafarers after 10 Indian nationals died during conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways will use a real-time dashboard via the Directorate General of Shipping to monitor workers in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. New Delhi also advised shipping companies against hiring new Indian workers for voyages through the Strait of Hormuz, stating companies will be held responsible for injuries or deaths of new hires.

These measures follow a June 10 missile strike by the United States Navy on the MT Settebello, a shadow fleet tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The attack killed chief engineer Suresh Patnala, fitter Shivanand Chaurasia, and trainee cadet Aditya Sharma. While the U.S. military claimed the vessel ignored 60 radio warnings and violated a blockade on Iranian ports, crew members and experts alleged the ship was drifting with engines off during the strike.

Additional attacks attributed by the U.S. to Iran killed engineer Herambh Karmark and engine officer Rohan Kumar. In response, India lodged a strong protest and summoned Iran's deputy ambassador. The Forward Seamen's Union of India has described the Settebello strike as a "war crime" and is petitioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an independent inquiry, compensation for families, and an official protest at the United Nations.