India calls for end to attacks on ships after three nationals killed

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs demanded attacks on ships must cease after a third vessel with an Indian crew was targeted by US forces off the coast of Oman this week.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters on Thursday that a third ship, named Jalveer, was attacked ‌‌by the US Navy. This was confirmed by the US military the same day.

“These attacks must cease, and we reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure an early return to peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said.

He added that the ongoing attacks on “shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and are a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict there".

On Wednesday, an official statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs said: “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest.”