NEW DELHI, Oct. 28 -- As many as 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict since February, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday, expressing deep concern over the continuing hostilities and their impact on Indians living and working in the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was maintaining close contact with Indian communities in the Gulf and taking steps to ensure their safety and well-being. The ministry also confirmed that three Indians had lost their lives in Saudi Arabia during the conflict.
"We are deeply concerned with the ongoing conflict in West Asia. So far, we have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, which includes 14 seafarers," Jaiswal said during the ministry's weekly media briefing.
The latest figures highlighted the human cost of the conflict for India, particularly among merchant navy personnel operating in the Gulf and surrounding waters.
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Indian seafarers have faced heightened risks as attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions to maritime traffic continued across the region.
Several Indian crew members have been killed, injured or reported missing in incidents involving merchant vessels since hostilities escalated in February. Many were serving aboard foreign-flagged ships operating in conflict-affected waters.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping routes, has witnessed severe disruptions amid the confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The conflict escalated on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran subsequently retaliated with attacks targeting American military facilities and other locations across the Gulf, while restrictions on maritime movement affected commercial shipping.
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The External Affairs Ministry said Indian missions were continuing to engage with citizens across the affected countries and provide assistance wherever required.
Jaiswal said the government remained in close touch with the Indian community to safeguard its members amid the uncertain security situation.
Indian diplomatic missions have been issuing advisories and coordinating assistance for nationals affected by the hostilities, including those facing difficulties with travel and maritime employment.
The government has also established mechanisms to monitor the safety of Indian seafarers and respond to emergencies involving merchant vessels in the region.
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The Directorate General of Maritime Administration has introduced measures to monitor vessels operating in high-risk waters, including the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjoining maritime routes.
These measures include continuous reporting of maritime incidents, coordination with shipping companies and emergency assistance for Indian crew members and their families.
India has repeatedly expressed concern over attacks on merchant shipping and civilian infrastructure, while calling for restraint and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
The latest casualty figures underscored the continuing risks faced by Indian nationals in West Asia, particularly seafarers whose work requires them to operate through strategically important but increasingly dangerous shipping corridors.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.