Jaishankar speaks to Rubio, lodges strong protest over U.S. Navy attacks that killed three Indians

📌 Summary:

• EAM S. Jaishankar spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lodged a strong protest over U.S. Navy attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners
• Jaishankar said on X that "such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified"
• The episode plays out against the wider U.S.-Iran conflict and heightened naval activity around the Strait of Hormuz, where Indian-crewed commercial vessels operate in large numbers
• Tests the India-U.S. strategic partnership: New Delhi must protect its nationals and shipping interests while preserving close ties with Washington
• India has consistently flagged the safety of Indian seafarers, who form a major share of the global maritime workforce

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 IR — India-U.S. bilateral relations, protection of Indian nationals/diaspora abroad, and maritime/energy security amid West Asia conflict.

🔑 Key Term: Diplomatic démarche — a formal protest or representation made by one government to another over an objectionable action.