Senior CPI(M) leader and Kerala Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has sharply criticized the Centre's response to the deaths of three Indian sailors in a reported US military strike on commercial vessels near the Gulf of Oman, saying the issue should not remain confined to a mere diplomatic protest.
Expressing grief over the deaths, Vijayan said the Union government must take a firmer stand and hold the United States accountable for the incident. In posts on social media, he argued that India should move beyond what he described as a “subservient approach” toward Washington and demand concrete action to protect Indian citizens working in international waters.
“The issue should not remain confined to a mere expression of protest,” Vijayan said, urging the Centre to seek full responsibility from the US for the deaths of the Indian sailors. He also called for stronger diplomatic pressure to end military aggression in the region and ensure the safety of international shipping routes.
According to reports, India has already lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States after three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members came under attack in waters near the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents reportedly resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals and raised serious concerns about the security of commercial shipping in the region.
Vijayan further demanded that New Delhi press for an end to attacks in West Asia and work to remove obstacles affecting maritime movement near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping corridors. He warned that continued instability in the region poses risks not only to Indian seafarers but also to global trade and energy supplies.
The Centre has maintained that it is closely monitoring the situation and has conveyed its concerns to US authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized that the safety of Indian sailors and commercial vessels remains a top priority.
The remarks are expected to intensify political debate over India's foreign policy response as opposition leaders demand stronger diplomatic intervention following the deaths of Indian crew members in the strategically vital Gulf region.
