Three Indian crew members were killed in a series of attacks on vessels near Oman, drawing condemnation from India's external affairs ministry.
The US confirmed that it 'disabled' the oil tankers for 'violating the blockade against Iran by attempting to transport Iranian oil.'
US Central Command said that the vessels repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forces, leading to the attacks.
India has lodged a strong protest with the US over the strikes, asserting that these attacks must stop.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the three separate strikes on the Settebello, Marivex and Jalveer "came from the US Navy" and that India attaches high importance to the welfare and well-being of its seafaring community.
