India's fury mounts after US kills sailors, no apology as leaders meet at G7
Indian anger is growing over the US refusal to apologize for killing three Indian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz, straining relations further as PM Modi and President Trump prepare for talks at the G7 summit in France.
Last week, three Indian seafarers working on oil tankers were killed when the US launched missile strikes on their vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. These were the first fatalities since the US Navy began a blockade of the strait in April, aiming to pressure Iran economically and push it toward a peace deal.
The US government's initial statement did not mention the deaths, only confirming a strike on a vessel that was allegedly violating sanctions and being "uncooperative." India condemned the attack, summoned a senior US diplomat, and demanded an end to such strikes. Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar spoke directly to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling that India would not let the matter drop.
Rubio, however, showed no remorse, reiterating that violations of the US blockade and illicit transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated, without offering condolences. This exchange has further strained the already tense relationship between Delhi and Washington.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in France for the G7 summit, where he is expected to meet President Donald Trump. The deaths are likely to feature prominently in their discussions. At home, political pressure is mounting on Modi to publicly raise the issue. Families of the deceased sailors are demanding answers and the return of their remains. Rajesh Sharma, father of 23-year-old victim Aditya Sharma, asked: "Was he given any rescue assistance? What led to the deaths?"
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused Modi of being silent and subservient to the US. "Foreign powers kill our citizens. Our government quietly obeys orders like an obedient servant," he said. The attacks have fueled anti-US sentiment in India, already high due to Trump's tariffs and closer ties with Pakistan.
Experts criticized Rubio's response. US analyst Derek J. Grossman called it "tone deaf" and likely to inflame anti-US sentiment. MP Shashi Tharoor asked: "How can a 'friend' and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?"
