Congress Intensifies Criticism: Modi Government Under Fire for 'Soft Response' to Deadly US Ship Strike

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress has unleashed a sharp and sustained critique against the Narendra Modi-led government, alleging a subdued and ineffective response to a recent US military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman that resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. This diplomatic flashpoint has ignited a fierce political debate within India, with the opposition demanding a more robust defense of national sovereignty and citizen safety.

The incident, which occurred earlier this week, involved the Palau-flagged oil products tanker, MT Settebello. According to the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM), an aircraft conducted a 'precision strike' on the vessel's engine room after its crew allegedly 'repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces.' The US justified its actions by claiming the ship was violating a military blockade imposed on Iranian ports.

The strike proved fatal for three Indian sailors aboard the MT Settebello: Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, and Fitter Shivanand Chaurashiya. Their deaths mark the first reported fatalities since the US intensified its blockade operations in the region on April 13. A total of 21 Indian crew members were successfully rescued after the incident. Adding to the gravity of the situation, the MT Settebello was one of at least three Indian-crewed commercial vessels reportedly hit by US forces in the Gulf of Oman this week. Other vessels included the MT Marivex and the MT Jalveer, though all 20 Indian crew members on the latter were confirmed safe.

In the aftermath, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a 'strong protest' with the United States, summoning the US Deputy Chief of Mission, Jason Meeks, on two separate occasions to convey 'deepest concern' over the use of 'lethal and deadly force' against civilian shipping. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar directly communicated India's 'strong protest' to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, unequivocally stating that 'such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also issued a condemnation, urging that 'these attacks must cease and end' and advocating for 'dialogue and diplomacy' to restore peace and stability in the region. Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed profound grief, acknowledging a 'profound loss to our maritime family.'

However, this official diplomatic stance has been deemed insufficient by the Congress party, which has escalated its criticism of the Modi government. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, sharply attacked Prime Minister Modi, labeling him a 'compromised PM' who 'listens like an obedient servant' and 'complies with the orders' of the US, rather than fiercely protecting Indian lives and national interests. Gandhi highlighted what he termed 'threatening and unacceptable' language from the US, quoting directives such as 'Obey US military orders immediately. Any violation will not be tolerated.' He further questioned the Prime Minister's 'silence' on the issue, particularly in light of the impending meeting between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump in France.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, accusing the Prime Minister of a conspicuous 'silence' following the tragedy and alleging that Modi had 'belittled India's global standing and sovereignty.' Kharge noted the absence of any public statement or even a condolence message from PM Modi, stating that 'no proof is now required that you have belittled India's global standing and sovereignty.' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, another senior Congress figure, joined the chorus of disapproval, describing the Modi government's muted response as 'shameful' and demanding regret or an apology from the US, instead of their reported 'language of threats and commands.' The opposition party also called for the postponement of the upcoming visit by the US Trade Representative, arguing that any self-respecting nation would take more substantial measures beyond mere phone calls and press statements to 'defend its sovereignty against bullies.'

Despite India's protest, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington's position, informing Jaishankar that all commercial vessels must 'immediately comply with orders from US forces' to maintain 'peace and security' in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio also stressed that 'violations of the blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated,' notably offering no expression of regret for the Indian casualties. This lack of remorse, coupled with what analysts describe as the Modi government's 'tepid response' and a perceived reluctance to directly condemn the US, has led to scrutiny. Critics argue that this stands in stark contrast to India's traditional foreign policy and potentially implies an acceptance of the validity of the US blockade.

The incident has undeniably created a new strain in the US-India relationship, a partnership that has seen increasing strategic cooperation. While India is one of the world's largest suppliers of merchant marine labor, with nearly 15% of the global maritime workforce being Indian seafarers, their safety in conflict zones remains a critical concern. The tragic deaths in the Gulf of Oman underscore the complex challenges India faces in protecting its citizens abroad while navigating intricate geopolitical alliances.