Three Indian sailors were killed after a U.S. airstrike targeted the oil tanker CitiBello in the Gulf of Oman, according to Indian authorities.

India confirmed the deaths after the sailors were initially reported missing following the attack. The vessel was struck during a U.S. operation aimed at enforcing Washington's maritime blockade on ships accused of transporting Iranian oil.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the tanker ignored repeated orders to comply and that precision munitions were used to target the ship's engine room. Twenty-one Indian crew members were rescued.

The incident marks the first reported fatalities since the United States began enforcing its blockade against Iran-linked shipping in April. Indian officials condemned the attack and lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States.

The strike comes days before a summit of G7 leaders, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.