AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticised the BJP-led central government over the death of three Indian seafarers in a United States military strike on a commercial vessel near the coast of Oman.
Reacting to the incident, Owaisi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent over the killing of Indian nationals and questioned the government’s ability to protect Indian citizens working in international waters.
In a post shared on X, Owaisi said, “Saving the lives of Indians is the first duty of the government.” He added that it was “sad and distressing” that the Prime Minister had “time for celebrations but not for condemning the US military for killing Indians.”
His remarks came after the deaths of three Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, which was struck during a US military operation off the Oman coast. India confirmed that all three seafarers who were initially reported missing had died, while 21 others were rescued.
‘Government Has Failed to Protect Indian Sailors’: Owaisi
The AIMIM leader alleged that the Modi government has repeatedly failed to ensure the safety of Indian workers and sailors abroad.
“The Modi government has repeatedly failed to protect the lives of Indian sailors and those operating in international waters,” Owaisi claimed.
He also questioned whether India had ever witnessed a weaker government, referring to previous concerns over Indians reportedly recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Russia continues to recruit Indians as soldiers who are killed, but the government is helpless,” he said.
Raises Concerns Over China and Galwan References
Owaisi further criticised the Centre over its handling of sensitive geopolitical issues, including China.
In his post, he alleged that the government avoids allowing films or public narratives that directly mention China or depict the Galwan Valley clash.
“The government doesn’t allow films to name China or depict the battle of Galwan. And now this with Indian sailors in international waters,” Owaisi wrote.
“As a country, we deserve better than this. Jai Hind,” he added.
India Lodged Strong Protest With US
Meanwhile, the Indian government has officially raised the matter with the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the strike, stressing concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the Gulf region. India also condemned attacks on commercial vessels and called for de-escalation in West Asia.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members have reportedly come under attack by American military action near Oman in recent days, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
