Mounting tensions in the Persian Gulf have come home to India in a most tragic way: An Indian has been killed and three more injured when a United States Navy vessel fired on their fishing boat off Dubai. The four men, all from Tamil Nadu, worked for a United Arab Emirates company and the incident has stoked the same kind of anger in their home district of Ramanathapuram as the unprovoked killing of two fishermen by Italian marines off the coast of Kerala did last February. The U.S. has conveyed its “regrets” and promised an investigation but there is no escaping the bottom line: the steadily expanding American military presence around Iran since January 2012 has claimed its first ‘collateral’ victims. The Obama administration has tightened the sanctions noose on Tehran and moved significant military reinforcements to the Persian Gulf in an ill-advised attempt to force a resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. More fighter aircraft have been deployed and the U.S. Navy has added minesweepers and an amphibious transport and docking ship reportedly to serve as the Pentagon’s first floating staging base for military operations or “humanitarian” assistance in the event of hostilities. USNS Rappahannock, whose guards fired at the Indians in their fishing boat, was a military supply ship. The U.S. Navy has said “a series of non-lethal, preplanned responses” failed to warn off the approaching boat, necessitating the use of force. What exactly transpired may never fully be known. But clearly, the incident points to a military on the edge.
India’s response to the crisis in the Persian Gulf so far has been to try and balance its competing interests with both Tehran and Washington. It has fully complied with the United Nations Security Council’s trading restrictions on Iran for its refusal to suspend its uranium enrichment programme. U.N. sanctions do not cover crude, and despite U.S. pressure on importing nations, India has continued to source Iranian oil, albeit in reduced quantities. However, the death of an Indian citizen in American firing should serve as a wake-up call for New Delhi because it underlines the uncertain fate that lies ahead for the nearly six million Indians who live in the Gulf and West Asian regions should the U.S. escalate its stand-off into full-scale hostilities against Iran. Passivity in the face of the looming storm is no longer an option. In its own interests, India needs to up its diplomatic game and do what it can to prevent another war in that region. It must do this by working with like-minded countries to persuade the U.S. to reverse an unnecessarily aggressive approach that is only worsening instability and making the Iranian nuclear issue even more intractable.
Whether the Indian fishing boat really failed to heed an entire protocol of warnings from the US warship will never be known for sure even if a joint investigation by the US and India is done.Dubai's influential Police Chief is credited with having said that the shooting was clearly a mistake.It seems to be an overreaction of a scared US navy to err on safer side or is it a rehearsal for something bigger in the US' sustained confrontation with Iran dictated by the US' compulsions to clip Iran's nuclear wings to placate the domestic Israeli lobby when the US Presidential election is round the corner ?
It is hard to take sides on this issue without knowing all the facts. This editorial is thoroughly anti-US biased. What will India do if a foreign boat was approaching it even after warning? I guess it would have done the same thing. Having said that who is know that US had given the warning signals? In what language? Were the fisherman capable of understanding English? Part of the blame goes to UAE government also who thoroughly exploits migrant workers. May be they did't give them enough training just to save some bucks. I still don't understand how a country like US with such high technical capabilities still has to resort to such lethal weapons. This is pure disregard for live as long as it is not american. There are thousand ways to stop a boat or people from approcahing a battleship without blowing it up.
I wonder if US can really afford for a war considering their financials right now. Moreover, Iran did warn they will wipe off the Israel from the world map if they were attacked. Coming to the Indian story, whatever steps our officials take, I believe they are the "stronget measures that they can ever take.." Hope they take a strong stand.
Very nicely said. Aggressive act by the mighty is not new in world's
history. But it cant be neglected or overseen thru. Diplomatic pressure
at an international level is the only solution to make things happen.
After the terrorist attack against USS Cole when a number of US servicemen died from the attack by an apparent fishing dhow on a suicide mission it is understandable that US navy men fired on the boat when it failed to heed warning shots. On top of it it is highly charged atmosphere in the Persian gulf where The US and gulf countries are at a loggerhead over Iranian nuclear program. What were Indian fishermen doing so far from the Indian shore and almost within the maritime boundaries of the UAE! For those questioning the presence of USS warship in UAE waters should know that the US has a defense treaty with UAE and it has legitimate berthing rights in UAE ports. Those writing that Indian fishermen didn't understand warnings in US English, it is common knowledge that English is the international language of communication.
@pat Ur shameless disregard for human lives is appalling. If terrorists blew up USS Cole, US could go after terrorists if you have the means. Not unarmed fishermen. All ships including US ships are required to follow maritime procedures. Claims of the fishing vessel "approaching" the warship do not make sense. If the world is dangerous today, it is because of such mindless acts of violence by US.
One Indian fisherman killed and three more injured in US Navy ship firing might be a great news for us, but US considered it as a trivial matter. How many millions of people of other countries so far killed in their military operations in different countries to keep their commercial inerest safe. US administration very well aware of the weakness of our rulers. Hence it is defenite that they might contain this issue to just an apology.
The death of the Indian civilian is tragic and I express my sorrow at his death. I have sailed in the Arabian/Persian Gulf when I served in the US Navy. The Iranians tested our resolve with small, swift craft, in "swarm" tactics. My only guess is the boat fired upon did not or could not respond to the US vessel's warnings. The Captain of the ship is responsible for the safety of his ship and the lives of his crew and the men standing watch reacted as they were trained in accordance with the rules of engagement.
Saddam Hussein really had no WMD which came to light only after the US overran Iraq after the war.Though he had no WMD the way in which he was dodging UN Inspectors gave rise to suspicion that he did have WMD.If only he had thrown open Iraq to the UN unreservedly the truth of Iraq not having any WMD would have obviated the war resulting in huge loss of lives landing the US in irretrievable ignominy.Likewise if Iran is made to swallow its sovereignty pride and come round to effectively convince the US as regards Iran's nuclear program, it may deter the US from going ahead with its creating a war like situation in the gulf with its consequences.Here India "needs to up its diplomatic game and do what it can to prevent another war in the region." The Obama administration should not be allowed to stage any adventurist game in its election year and get away with it.
A very nice and balanced editorial. The lodging of a complaint by our Government is not enough. In fact we should seek an apology and commitment from US that these incidents will not be repeated. The problem is that the neocons in US administration had created such a phobia that apparently every American has got the license to kill with little or no provocation. That's what they have done in numerous places around the world and are doing in our neighbouring country with drones.
This is another reason to stay away from America. America is a not a friend to anyone. No treaties or alliances with America.
To all those asking the rhetorical question, "Will the US stand by if a US citizen is killed in a similar manner by another country's navy"? No, the US will not. That's because the U.S places a high value on its citizens' lives, whereas India does not. Forget about this incident. How many thousands die each year in India due to sheer neglect and non-governance? How many thousands are withering in prisons waiting for a trial? How many millions starve while grains rot? It's amusing and sad at the same time to see the nationalism rise to the boiling point while the daily tragedies precipitated by an indifferent state are quietly ignored.
Its a very good editorial by The Hindu about recent attack on fisher man by USA. The presentation of the problem is very balanced. We as an oil importing country has to balance our behaviour towards both the countries. Hope India will point its concerns regarding sensitive issues dealing with Indian's security in gulf region in an approppriate platform.
To Pat
Yes, we do indeed live in a dangerous world where warships and drones of superpowers have seemingly boundless power to persecute those merely suspected harbouring ill intentions. The small vessels plying the seas daily are in it for a multitude of reasons, an important one of which is to find food. It is the warships' business to ensure that they do not take away this fundamental right of people under the pretext of international security.
American warships ( or warships of any other country ) should not have the right to fire unless attacked first or a war has been declared and a war zone . Pre-emptive strikes only on the basis of suspicion can not be allowed.
When a huge warship strikes a small fishing boat, without the smaller craft firing upon them. Just coming close cannot be considered to be a hostile approach.
Was thinking the other way round, what if The Indian Navy fired on a US cruising boat and one dead. World would have taken this up to all sorts of concerns - Humanitarian etc etc etc Would have had some sanctions also implied on India.
Readers have drawn their own conclusion that warning shots were fired by the US Navy Ship, as though they were on the US Navay Ship Deck. However this is yet to be verified. So, lets wait and see what the investigations will reveal. One innocent life is already lost in this puppet show.
USA has to match its muscle power with equally qualified opponents than show their might to the foreign civilians outside USA. Won't these guys ever learn to mind their business.
This is indeed a good editorial that reflects the emotions and
feelings of all Indians and NRIs. Iran is indeed a very pragmatic
player and has provided all information and documents regarding its
nuclear programme to the UN. But if this is going to be a regenerated
vendetta against Iranians recalling the nationalization of the Anglo-
Iranian Oil Company in 1953 by the then Prime Minister of Iran,
Mosaddeq, we have to remind Obama that there is no Shah of Iran to
remove the President as was done then. Iran has every right to self-
determination and American interference in the region has already cost
four Tamil lives. India must act along with Iran on this matter. The
Obama Administration's failure to resolve its domestic banking
scandals and negative economic growth has taken on a wicked avathar of
attacking and killing innocent people around the world. Everyone must
condemn this act of intrusion and belligerence.
Differnt scenarios with the same result - loss of poor Indian fisherman on the water which in one case belong to Indian subcontinent and later of U.A.E. for which Indians were working. Just in the first case Italian marines(shooters!!) were arrested and but being US navy warship every one seems to be quite(Strange!!!).Should not Tamil nadu government react and take serious actions as kerala's govrnment took in the case of Italian marine ship's shootout, or Tamil nadu goverment as well as Indian government are going to just wait and watch for US(The boss) suggestion(or decision) on the killing of innocent fisherman like it was their fault, warnings given (blah blah). I request Tamil Nadu government on behalf of poor fisherman to demand arrest of the accused person so that no other country will think of murdering the innocents on the water. May Sekar's soul lay in peace.
India really must come on board with Russia , China and Iran to drive imperialism from our region. Pakistan is an unstable and pathetically weak state and very vulnerable to US machinations in the region. Pakistan's salvation is to come to its senses and reconnect in a opragmatic manner with its bigger and better part India. The US wants to control the resources and trade in South/ Central Asia. It must be defeated.
This is what is called responsible journalism. Instead of browbeating on the emotinal issues, the Editorial has really addressed the larger issues. NDTV throughout yesterday was focussing on India's inability to lodge a strong protest with USA.
The USA is hell bent on saying that it had given warnings to the boat .The Indian Ambassador to UAE virtually admitted that he is helpless on this issue and the most he could do was to help the victims in getting medical attention. it shows the amount of weightage ouOur embassies around the world carries with the host countries.
U.S has always leverage its military power to achieve its goal in gulf countries.It is tragic that an indian lost its life in an attack by US navy.India should take this issue very seriously in order to avoid any future fatalities.The reckless pursuit of US for power has costed lives of many people including indians.....
If a US citizen were killed by an Indian Navy, would the Obama Administration stay calm? India should launch its protest with no other than Mr. Obama himself. The firing was from behind and trigger happy American soldiers saw the death of an innocent fisherman. Investigation should be done without any partiality and the culprits need to be booked. Obama Administration must compensate to the bereaved family from Ramnathapuram and those fatally injured be fully diagnosed.
That is a initial sign of violence and unnecessarily bloodshed in the busy trade region.If the law makers would commit mistake in this manner,how would others be held accountable? More the power is,more the accountability is.
Your edit makes a very valid point. India should see the larger picture and start working to
reduce the hardships to our fellow Indians in gulf and should also oversee the investigations
and get a suitable compensation
What is going on in persian gulf region is a wrong step .We could not
stop all these things .But we should try to protect india's intrest .We
should persuade U.S. not to take aggresive step towards Iran .
Try a small mental exercise, replay the incident with an American boat being shot at by an Indian warship. What would the US government's reaction be? What would US citizens' reaction be? Do you remember an incident in Pakistan where a group of Americans going to the rescue of a fellow American ran over an innocent and uninvolved Pakistani? Those yahoos were driving the wrong way down a one-way street when they killed this poor person (by accident, I agree). These people left the country immediately.
I am sorry, but the rest of us don't think that there should be one set of standards for the US and one for the rest of us.
The scrimishes occuring either in international water or in coastal region need to be condemned if it is not just.After the Enrica Lexie accident it seems international community has failed to take the lessons.It is not the matter of in whose urisdiction the firing took place but innocent lives are lost that matters.
It seems the drone wars has made most of the current forces pay no heed to the human values.Firing because they think fisherman as pirates cannot help any nation.
The Tehran issue is important but a possible solution lies in dialogue never in building a blocade by sending flotillas.We have seen in Iraq only assumptions yield nothing but satisfaction of certain elites.
India needs to take a stand on this issue as soon as possible. There
are only three options. Support the U.S in shaping a new world order
or support the contending powers and a multilateral world or the third
and the most unlikely option to take its own stand and steer its own
ship which is risky. Supporting either parties is like either
supporting a thief or a dacoit. We should choose the one with whom we
have a safer and progressive future. The time for taking the stand of
doing nothing is over. We are a having a fire right where we sit and
if we dont take a decide now our pants would be burnt!
Look at the arrogance & cheek of the U.S Administration to justify the unjustiable leave alone it being indefensible. Shame on you White House for your blatant disregard for human life. There goes your wonderful ' cooked up' track record of Human Rights. After all Human Rights has an universal value be it concerning the life of every Non-American or American !
This is a balanced editorial. All be it a strong protest to US is due from our Goverment.
Excellent Editorial, Hindu. The death of Indian Fishermen must be turned to a constructive game changer. In the current economic climate, the last thing that the World needs is another war and a destabilized Persian Gulf region. The US has huge issues at home and is working hard to extricate itself from Afghanistan, after the humiliation in Iraq. It must worry Obama and the West(UK)that false intelligence lead to wasted effort in Iraq and that the same could be repeated in Iran. India is in a unique position, where we can influence both parties. Obama is a more reasonable President than Bush and may therefore listen to India. But every 5 years, US Presidents succumb to theatrics, in the mane of an election, which hurts us all. Time for MEA to go on overdrive
After terrorists blew up the U.S.S. Cole, the U.S. has no choice but to
assume all boats approaching it are hostile. The boat was warned
multiple times to get away from the U.S. vessel and they did not comply.
It was only then that they were fired upon. We live in a dangerous
world, and all boats should know not to approach war ships or they will
suffer the consequences.
Please Email the Editor