Rubio’s words were of command, not contrition: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress has slammed US secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement on the US strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman that killed three Indian crew members.In a post on X, Cong MP Shashi Tharoor said, “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?”“Practically every merchant ship navigating these crucial waters has Indian crew on board. Are they all considered fair game for US missiles now?”, he posted.Congress’s Pawan Khera said, “Rubio reportedly chose to issue a warning, declaring that failure to comply with the orders of the US military “will not be tolerated”. That is the language of command, not contrition,” he said. Criticising India’s responsehe said, “Not justified”? That is the phrase you use for an overpriced sandwich, not for a military strike that kills civilians”.