Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not publicly responding to the deaths of three Indian sailors who were killed in recent US military strikes on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. In a post on X, (@RahulGandhi) Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of being a “compromised PM” who “cannot protect the sons of Mother India,” arguing that India should speak firmly when its citizens are killed abroad.
While the BJP-led government has not directly responded to Gandhi’s remarks, it has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the United States. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that “lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.” The incident has triggered political debate, diplomatic engagement and renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers working in conflict-hit waters in West Asia.
Rahul Gandhi Questions PM Modi’s Silence
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what he described as the government’s silence following the deaths of three Indian sailors in recent US military strikes on merchant vessels near Oman.
In a post on X, Gandhi questioned why the Prime Minister had not publicly condemned the deaths despite multiple Indian nationals reportedly losing their lives in separate attacks over recent days. Referring to Modi as a “compromised PM”, he wrote:
“Three Indians died in US attacks on three ships in international waters in three days. But the Prime Minister remains silent. A compromised PM cannot protect the sons of Mother India.”
The Congress leader argued that protecting Indian citizens should take precedence over diplomatic considerations and that the government must speak firmly whenever Indians are harmed abroad.
What Happened?
The controversy follows a series of US military strikes targeting commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman amid escalating tensions in West Asia. One of the affected vessels, the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello, reportedly came under attack, killing three Indian crew members.
The ship was carrying more than 20 sailors, several of whom were Indian nationals. The incident is part of a wider escalation in which multiple merchant vessels operating in the region have reportedly come under attack, raising fresh concerns about the safety of civilian shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
India Registers Diplomatic Protest
The Indian government has responded through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in New Delhi to formally register India’s protest over attacks affecting commercial vessels carrying Indian crew.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and stressed that: “Lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.” India urged greater efforts to protect civilian vessels and ensure the safety of merchant seafarers operating in international waters. The government has also said its diplomatic missions are coordinating with US authorities, Oman and shipping companies regarding Indian nationals in the region.
Government Faces Political Criticism
Although diplomatic engagement has been swift, Prime Minister Modi has not publicly commented on the deaths at the time of writing, prompting criticism from the opposition.
While the Congress has accused the government of failing to publicly defend Indian citizens, supporters of the BJP argue that sensitive international matters are often handled through quiet diplomacy rather than public statements. The contrasting approaches have fuelled debate over how India should respond when its citizens are killed abroad by a strategic partner.
Families Mourn And Seafarers Face Rising Risks
Beyond the political exchanges, the tragedy has deeply affected the families of the deceased sailors. Media reports describe emotional scenes as relatives mourn loved ones who had left home to earn a livelihood. One sailor had reportedly promised his wife they would celebrate their anniversary after his return, making the loss even more heartbreaking.
The incident has also highlighted the growing risks faced by Indian seafarers. India is among the world’s largest suppliers of merchant navy personnel, with thousands serving aboard international cargo vessels that routinely sail through conflict-prone waters in the Gulf region. As geopolitical tensions escalate, commercial ships and civilian crews are increasingly exposed to danger despite having no role in military conflicts.
Industry bodies and seafarer unions have renewed calls for stronger international safeguards, improved coordination and better protection for merchant vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones.
Why This Story Matters
The deaths of the three Indian sailors have become more than a political issue. They raise important questions about the safety of Indian citizens working overseas, the responsibilities of governments during international crises and the balance between public accountability and diplomatic engagement.
As conflicts increasingly spill into global shipping routes, protecting civilian maritime workers is emerging as an urgent international priority. For India, whose seafarers play a vital role in global trade, ensuring their security while maintaining strategic international relationships will remain a significant diplomatic challenge.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The deaths of Indian sailors serving aboard civilian merchant vessels are a profound human tragedy that deserves compassion before politics. While opposition leaders have the democratic right to question the government’s response and governments must often rely on careful diplomacy, the shared priority should be protecting the lives of ordinary people working far from home.
India must continue to engage all nations through dialogue while firmly advocating for the safety of civilian seafarers and respect for international maritime law. In moments like these, empathy, accountability and peaceful diplomacy are essential to preventing further loss of life. How can India better safeguard its citizens working in conflict-prone regions while maintaining strong international partnerships?
Also Read: Fir Filed Against Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Inflammatory Speech Ahead Of West Bengal Elections
अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय जल में तीन दिन में तीन जहाज़ों पर अमेरिकी हमलों में तीन भारतीयों की मृत्यु हो गई। और हमारे Compromised PM? एक शब्द तक नहीं।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 12, 2026
जब कोई विदेशी ताकत किसी भारतीय की हत्या करे, तो प्रधानमंत्री को बोलना पड़ता है। लेकिन मजाल है जो ये एक शब्द बोल जाएं।
अगले हफ्ते G7 में,…
