US Strikes on Ships in Strait of Hormuz Kill Indian Sailors

The Deadly Strikes in the Strait of Hormuz

Three Indian sailors have been killed in strikes on at least three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz this week, as the United States doubles down on its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Details of the US Strikes

The US military has attacked three vessels carrying Indian merchant navy men on board. On Monday, the US struck the Palau-flagged Marivex ship, with 24 Indian sailors on board, after receiving a distress call. The next day, the US struck the Palau-flagged Settebello, killing three Indian sailors on board.

The Impact on India-US Relations

The attacks on ships with Indian sailors is the latest friction point in the relationship between Washington and New Delhi, which has reached new lows during US President Donald Trump’s second term.

Analysis of the Incidents

Jason Chuah, a professor of maritime law at City St George’s, University of London, told Al Jazeera that the fact that Indian sailors have been killed aboard a ship registered in Palau – neither of which are party to the ongoing conflict – is likely to provoke “some serious diplomatic headaches”.

The Future Outlook

The latest round of escalation between Iran and the US has left Indian seafarers highly fearful of sailing in Gulf waters. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of sailors and the legality of the US strikes on non-combatant ships.