TNI Bureau: Three Indian sailors were killed after a commercial vessel carrying 24 Indian crew members came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.

The incident took place when the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello was travelling through the Gulf of Oman amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Out of 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued, while three went missing after the attack. Later, two bodies were recovered and confirmed as deceased.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the government stands with the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure the safe return of the rescued crew members and the repatriation of the mortal remains.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that rescue operations were carried out in coordination with Omani authorities. The ministry also summoned a US official following the attack on the vessel.

India has called for restraint and diplomacy in the region, urging all parties to avoid targeting commercial ships and civilians. The government also warned that the ongoing conflict could affect global trade and energy supply routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz.