Six Indians Dead and One Missing as Gulf Conflict Escalates
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed a surge in Indian deaths amid the escalating Gulf conflict, reporting that six nationals have died and one remains missing as regional tensions intensify across West Asia. Since February 28, the instability has prompted more than 300,000 Indians to depart the region.
Tragedy at Riyadh Airport
The crisis reached a breaking point on October 10 when a Houthi missile strike hit the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Among the victims was Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old IT professional from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, who was killed by falling debris while awaiting an Umrah flight.
The attack left his family devastated: his wife, Sameera, and 11-year-old daughter, Maryam, sustained minor injuries, while his sons, Aman (18) and Wasi (16), suffered severe injuries, including the loss of toes and a requirement for knee surgery. In total, 11 Indians were among the more than 300 individuals injured in the Riyadh strike, with two victims still in intensive care. Saudi authorities have reported a total death toll of 13 following the incident.
Missing Crew and Maritime Attacks
Maritime security has also been severely compromised. On October 11, a drone strike targeted the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at the Sohar Anchorage in Oman. The strike resulted in two Indian crew members, Amit Singh (20-25) and Bir Bahadur Yadav (25-26), both from Uttar Pradesh, being reported missing. While nine other Indian crew members were successfully rescued, the Omani Coast Guard continues its search for the missing men amid allegations from families that the captain failed to conduct a proper search.
Other maritime incidents include:
- The MT Valthera was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, though all Indian crew members on board survived.
- The India-flagged vessel MV DP World Kaveri was also cited in discussions regarding attacks on shipping infrastructure.
The Ministry of Shipping has stated that all other seafarers currently in the Persian Gulf are being monitored and are considered safe.
Additional Casualties and Regional Impact
Beyond the missile and drone strikes, industrial accidents linked to the period of instability have claimed lives. On October 13, 27-year-old Kashireddy Rakesh from Telangana died in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, following a fatal accident involving a collapsing crane-lifted pipe. Additionally, minor injuries to Indians were reported in southern Dubai following the interception of debris.
Safety Advisories and Travel Disruptions
As the situation evolves, Indian diplomats are working to ensure the safety of the 10 million Indians residing in GCC nations. At the UN Security Council, Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish emphasized that the safety of this diaspora is a core interest, condemning attacks on civilian infrastructure and shipping.
Ambassador Vipul in Riyadh has issued an urgent advisory for citizens to remain indoors and utilize the 24/7 toll-free helpline at 8002471234. Citizens are also advised against filming attacks to avoid potential legal complications.
For those seeking to leave the region, authorities have identified exit routes via Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The aviation sector has also reacted to the volatility:
- Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa have suspended all flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam through October 24.
- Affected passengers have been offered full refunds or free date changes for their bookings.
In an effort to provide morale support to the diaspora, the Indian Navy’s INS Sudarshini recently hosted over 500 community members in Salalah, Oman, as part of its Lokayan-26 voyage.