India has ordered its agencies to be ready to respond to any contingency involving Indian seafarers or maritime interests, its shipping ministry says, following three US attacks on Indian-crewed tankers this week, including one that killed three sailors, Reuters reports.

The government is closely coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, maritime administrations of friendly countries, shipping companies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure timely support and assistance to Indian seafarers, the ministry says in a statement.

“The Government has directed all concerned agencies to remain on heightened alert and maintain readiness to respond to any contingency involving Indian seafarers or Indian maritime interests,” the statement adds.