India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States following the deaths of three Indian nationals during a recent naval incident in the Gulf of Oman. This marks the second such protest in three days, triggered by the US Navy opening fire on a cargo vessel. According to Indian officials, the incident compromised maritime security in a sensitive region. The M/T Settebello, carrying 28 crew members – 24 of whom were Indian – was struck by a missile, resulting in a fire and the deaths of three sailors. The US military claims the vessel failed to comply with instructions, while Washington asserts warnings were issued before any shots were fired. Two other vessels employing Indian crew, the M/T Jalveer and M/T Marivex, were also involved in separate incidents with the US Navy in the past four days, though all personnel were rescued. These events have strained US-India relations shortly after a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed at easing trade disputes.