If you read the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement, leaving aside condolences or an apology, there is not a single word about the 3 Indian crew members who were killed during the USA strike on the tanker MT Settebello off Oman. The US hardly seemed to care even after India summoned a representative of the US Embassy and lodged a strong protest.
Similarly, when 4 Indian crew members were killed during Iranian strikes (1 on tanker MKD VYOM and 3 on tanker Skylight), Iran hardly seemed to care. In fact, the Iran Embassy in India was busy seeking donations from Indians.
Even after India summoned the Iranian ambassador and lodged a strong protest when Iran opened fire on two Indian-flagged commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz despite India having shared transit details in advance and receiving clearance, Iran did not express regret over the incident.
What stands out is that, in both cases, neither side in the conflict appeared particularly concerned by India's protests or diplomatic objections. Both the USA and Iran acted according to their own strategic interests.
The Govt of India cannot afford to remain limited to diplomatic protests every time Indian lives are affected. Strong statements alone do not create leverage. If India wants its concerns to be taken seriously, the Govt must build greater economic, strategic, and technological strength, along with a willingness to impose tangible costs when Indian lives are affected. Otherwise, India's objections will continue to be acknowledged politely but ultimately carry little consequence for the countries involved.