‘Ready to respond’: India on highest alert as it monitors Hormuz after 3 sailors killed in Gulf attack

India has placed its maritime security apparatus on the highest alert following a series of attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf of Oman that have directly affected Indian seafarers, including an incident that claimed the lives of three Indian sailors.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it is closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters, coordinating with shipping companies and maritime authorities of friendly nations to ensure the safety of Indian crew members operating in the region.

The move comes after three Indian nationals — Patnala Suresh, Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasia — were killed when the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was struck amid escalating hostilities linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Calling the recent incidents a reminder of the growing dangers facing commercial shipping, the government said all relevant agencies have been directed to remain on heightened alert and be prepared to respond to any emergency involving Indian seafarers or maritime interests.

Indian sailors aboard both Indian- and foreign-flagged vessels transiting the region have been advised to exercise extreme caution. Shipping companies, vessel operators and ship managers have also been instructed to strictly follow maritime security protocols and prioritize crew safety. Dedicated communication channels have been activated to provide round-the-clock support and monitoring.

The security concerns intensified after three separate vessels carrying Indian crew members came under attack in the Gulf of Oman this week. In the first incident, the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex was struck, though all 24 Indian crew members were rescued safely. The second attack on MT Settebello resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The victims included a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, an engine fitter from Uttar Pradesh and a deck cadet trainee from Himachal Pradesh.

A third vessel, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Jalveer, was also targeted, but all 20 Indian nationals onboard were reported safe. The ship is primarily engaged in transporting cargo between the United Arab Emirates and India.

As attacks on commercial shipping continue, US President Donald Trump praised American military operations in the region, saying US forces had been quietly targeting large vessels and disabling maritime capabilities linked to Iran. According to US Central Command, multiple vessels have been disabled or redirected since the naval blockade was imposed in April, while humanitarian shipments have been permitted to transit.