STRAIT OF HORMUZ — Three Indian seafarers died after U.S. forces launched missile strikes against a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz in April. The Indian government issued a diplomatic protest and summoned a senior U.S. diplomat regarding the strike.

Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a direct conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the incident. Jaishankar stated, "Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified."

U.S. military forces initiated a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in April. U.S. officials stated the blockade aims to apply economic pressure on Iran and encourage a peace agreement. Rubio said, "Violations of the U.S. blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated." The initial U.S. government statement regarding the strike did not acknowledge the deaths of Indian sailors. U.S. officials characterized the targeted vessel as uncooperative and alleged it was violating sanctions.

U.S. foreign policy analyst Derek J Grossman said, "Rubio's words were very tone deaf and will further inflame anti-U.S. sentiment,". He added, "He didn't even express condolences for India's loss of life. Some 'friend' Trump's America is to India."

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi publicly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing the deaths. Gandhi stated, "Foreign powers kill our citizens. Our government quietly obeys orders like an obedient servant and our citizens are left to rot."

Shashi Tharoor, chair of India's parliamentary committee for external affairs, asked, "How can a 'friend' and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?" He added, "Practically every merchant ship navigating these crucial waters has Indian crew on board. Are they all considered fair game for U.S. missiles now?"

Aditya Sharma, 23, was identified as one of the three seafarers killed in the strike.

Rajesh Sharma, father of Aditya Sharma, said, "I have only one demand: that my son's remains be brought back,". He also asked, "I want to know what happened in his last moments. Was he given any rescue assistance? What circumstances led to the deaths of three crew members from our country?"