MEA Confirms 22 Indian Nationals Killed in West Asia Conflict
India's MEA confirms 22 nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died due to the escalating West Asia conflict.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the tragic death of 22 Indian nationals resulting from the escalating conflict in West Asia. The casualties, reported since February 28, underscore the growing volatility in the region and the direct risks faced by Indian citizens working abroad.
A Heavy Toll on Seafarers and Workers
Of the 22 lives lost, a significant number were members of the maritime workforce. The MEA revealed that 14 seafarers working on merchant vessels in the region were among the deceased. The fatalities also include three individuals in Saudi Arabia.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, stating that the Indian government is deeply concerned about the situation. Diplomatic missions are currently working to facilitate the repatriation of remains and are maintaining constant communication with the Indian community across the Gulf to ensure their ongoing safety.
Escalating Regional Volatility
The surge in violence followed US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which triggered Iranian retaliation and created a near-blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz. The instability has been further compounded by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, who have expanded their operations to target Saudi Arabian infrastructure.
Several high-profile attacks have been reported, including:
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh: An October 10 strike resulted in 13 deaths, including Mohammed Yousuf Ali, an IT professional from Hyderabad, and left over 300 people injured.
- King Fahd International Airport, Dammam: Targeted in recent attacks.
- Aramco Facilities: Attacks have also hit vital energy infrastructure, such as the Shaybah oil field.
Impact on the Indian Diaspora and Travel
With approximately 10 million Indians residing across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait—the conflict has had a massive humanitarian and logistical impact. The instability has led to the suspension of various flights between India and Saudi Arabian cities, significantly disrupting Umrah pilgrims and migrant workers.
The scale of the exodus is evident, with more than 300,000 Indians having departed the region since the conflict began. The maritime sector has also been hit hard, with incidents reported on vessels such as the MT Petro Dolphin.
Diplomatic Action and Safety Advisories
In response to the threats against maritime workers, India has taken a proactive stance on the global stage. Alongside Liberia, India has established a 25-nation "Group of Friends" at the United Nations to advocate for the protection and safety of seafarers worldwide.
For those currently in the region, Indian diplomatic missions have issued a critical advisory: citizens are urged to avoid filming or sharing footage of attacks on social media to ensure compliance with local laws and to avoid complicating security operations.