SJM writes to US envoy over killing of Indian sailors, seeks investigation and compensation
Ashwani Mahajan, head of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) economic group of the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). File | Photo credit: Reuters
The RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) wrote to the US ambassador protesting the killing of three Indian sailors in separate incidents between June 8 and June 11 in US strikes.
The department demanded a transparent investigation and compensation to the victims’ families.
In a letter to US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Monday (June 15, 2026), the RSS branch expressed “deep pain and anguish” over the alleged unprovoked killing of three unarmed Indian sailors by the US armed forces.
“These incidents have sent a wave of mistrust and anger among the people of India. The US administration has added insult to injury with an insensitive and irresponsible response, further damaging Indian sentiments as Indians have always considered the US a great friend,” SJM National Co-Conference Ashwani Mahajan said in a letter.
The organization demanded transparent, time-bound and impartial investigations into the incidents and sought accountability of those responsible, whether individuals or state entities.
She also called for reparations and justice for the families of the victims, for guarantees against any repetition and for compliance with international legal obligations.
“India’s anguish is deep and its resolve firm: those responsible must be held accountable and the dignity and safety of Indian seafarers must be preserved at all costs,” Mahajan said.
He added that India reserves the right to raise the matter in international forums, including the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), for justice to the relatives of the victims.
Mahajan argued that the US action constituted a serious violation of international law governing the sea, armed conflict and human rights.
“At the heart of maritime governance lies the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the freedom and safety of navigation in international waters. International law provides protection from unlawful interference for commercial vessels manned by civilian seafarers. Attacking such vessels without legal justification is a clear violation of internationally recognized norms,” he said.
Mr. Mahajan said that even in situations of armed conflict, civilian lives are protected under the Geneva Conventions.
“Non-combatant seafarers on board merchant ships cannot be treated as legitimate targets. The principles of distinction, proportionality and necessity form the fundamental basis of international humanitarian law,” he said.
According to SJM, the IMO Global Maritime Security Framework obliges all states to ensure the protection of life at sea, and attacks that threaten civilian seafarers strike at the foundation of international maritime cooperation.
“The killing of innocent Indian seafarers is not just a bilateral issue – it is a challenge to the rules-based international order. Allowing such acts would violate the sanctity of international law and threaten maritime security worldwide,” Mahajan said.
“Indian people are looking for an explanation from the US administration, which has always expressed itself as a champion of human rights, as to how it could attack a vessel that has been standing still for days,” he added.
Published – 16 Jun 2026 12:34 IST