Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a sharp attack on the Union government over the deaths of three Indian sailors in a reported US military strike in the Gulf of Oman, accusing New Delhi of displaying what he described as a shameful submission to the United States even when Indian citizens were losing their lives.
In a social media statement, Vijayan said the Centre’s response to the incident had been limited to a formal protest and argued that such a serious development warranted stronger diplomatic and political action. He also pointed to a subsequent attack on another vessel carrying Indian personnel, contending that repeated incidents involving Indian citizens had not been met with a sufficiently firm reaction from the government.
The opposition leader maintained that the Union government should demand that the United States accept full responsibility for the deaths of the Indian sailors and provide a clear explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack. He argued that the loss of Indian lives could not be treated as a routine diplomatic issue and required a more assertive response.
Vijayan further called on the Centre to intensify pressure on Washington to halt its military operations in West Asia, which he said were contributing to growing instability in the region. He also urged the government to seek the removal of restrictions affecting maritime movement near the Strait of Hormuz and work towards ensuring the free and secure passage of commercial vessels.
According to Vijayan, recurring incidents involving attacks on ships carrying Indian personnel raise wider concerns about the safety of Indian citizens working along international maritime routes. He stressed that stronger diplomatic intervention was necessary to safeguard Indian interests and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia and continuing concerns over the safety of shipping routes passing through strategically important waters in the Gulf region.