India, June 10 -- The ministry of external affairs (MEA) summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over the attack on a tanker off Oman that left three Indian crew members missing. Meeks was called in as Ambassador Sergio Gor was away from Delhi. However, no formal demarche was issued, sources told HT.

Earlier, India had issued a statement condemning the attack but it did not mention who was behind the strike. People familiar with the matter confirmed the tanker Settebello was targeted by US forces for reportedly trying to evade an American blockade of Iranian ports.

"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew on board, 21 Indians have...