India, June 14 -- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday criticised the United States over the deaths of Indian crew members and questioned Washington's response, saying the official statement lacked any expression of regret or condolence.

"Deeply shocking to read this official US statement, which contains absolutely no expression of regret or condolence for the loss of innocent Indian lives. How can a "friend" and strategic partner be so deeply insensitive?" Tharoor wrote on X.

The Congress leader went on to question why alternative methods were not used to stop the vessel involved.

"Why couldn't a non-compliant commercial vessel have been stopped using other, non-lethal means?" he asked.

He further said, "Is it not possible to disab...