India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met the 20 Indian crew members of MT Jalveer in Muscat ahead of their repatriation and wished them a safe journey home.
According to the Embassy of India in Muscat, the crew was safely evacuated ashore in coordination with Omani authorities following an incident involving the vessel on June 11.
“The crew were safely evacuated ashore, in coordination with Omani authorities, following the incident involving the vessel on 11 June 2026,” the embassy said in a post on X.
The interaction allowed the ambassador to review the well-being of the rescued sailors following the maritime security incident. Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Indian nationals overseas, the embassy said it remains dedicated to providing prompt assistance to citizens in distress and ensuring their safe return home.
The repatriation of the MT Jalveer crew comes amid heightened diplomatic activity by New Delhi following a series of attacks on commercial vessels off the Omani coast that involved Indian seafarers.
Last week, India intensified its diplomatic engagement after successive strikes on merchant vessels, summoning US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks twice within 48 hours to register its concerns over the incidents, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
The second diplomatic protest followed confirmation that three Indian crew members reported missing after an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello had died. India conveyed its concern over continuing attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian nationals and reiterated its opposition to the use of force against civilian shipping.
In a statement issued last week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security, and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time.”
The MEA added that the US envoy had been requested to convey India’s concerns to Washington and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent further civilian casualties.
The diplomatic exchanges followed a series of incidents linked to escalating tensions in the Gulf region. The most serious involved MT Settebello, carrying 24 Indian crew members, which was struck off the coast of Oman. A joint search-and-rescue operation by Indian and Omani authorities rescued 21 crew members, while three sailors were later confirmed dead.
India first summoned the US Charge d’Affaires immediately after the attack on MT Settebello. The second summons later in the week reflected a stronger response following confirmation of the fatalities.
Earlier, on June 8, MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian nationals, was reportedly struck while attempting to proceed toward an Iranian port despite a naval blockade. All crew members were rescued safely by Omani authorities.
A day later, MT Settebello came under attack, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The situation further escalated when MT Jalveer was reportedly attacked near Shinas port on June 11, leading to the evacuation of its crew. Preliminary reports indicated that around 20 Indian nationals were on board, though details of the incident remain limited.
The series of incidents within a span of four days has highlighted growing risks to commercial shipping and Indian seafarers operating in the region amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Separately, the Indian Embassy in Oman announced on Sunday that all 14 crew members aboard the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Virat had been successfully rescued and were safe.
In a post on X, the embassy said, “Rescue operation involving Indian Flagged MSV Virat 1 has been completed. All 14 crew members have been rescued and are presently onboard Jabal Ali 9 heading to Mumbai. The crew members are safe and in good health.”
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) also confirmed that all 14 Indian crew members aboard MSV VIRAT-1 were rescued after the vessel sank about 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd, Oman.
According to the DGS, the successful rescue was made possible through coordinated efforts involving Omani authorities, the Embassy of India in Oman, maritime agencies and other stakeholders.
(With ANI inputs)
