3 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026 11:04 PM IST Congress MP and chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee for External Affairs Minister Shashi Tharoor weighed in on the row over the killing of three Indian seafarers in a US missile strike, and asked how can a “friend” and “strategic partner be so deeply insensitive”. Tharoor made the comment on a day US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lodged a strong protest over the deaths of Indian seafarers in attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. “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?” said Tharoor. The Congress MP asked why couldn’t a non-compliant commercial vessel have been stopped using other, non-lethal means and if it is not possible to disable a ship’s propulsion or steering without firing missiles targeted to kill civilian crew …