MEA Confirms Indian Deaths Amidst Escalating Gulf Conflict
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the deaths of six Indian nationals and the disappearance of one sailor following a surge in regional conflict across West Asia. As tensions escalate, Indian missions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq are actively managing repatriation efforts for citizens affected by the instability.
Since the onset of the conflict on February 28, more than 300,000 Indian nationals have returned from the region. The ongoing crisis has significantly impacted travel and safety for the massive Indian diaspora living in the Gulf.
Tragedy at Riyadh International Airport
A devastating Houthi missile strike at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 resulted in significant casualties. Among the victims was 46-year-old Mohammed Yousuf Ali, an IT professional from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad.
The attack had a profound impact on his family; while his wife, Sameera, and daughter, Maryam, sustained minor injuries, his sons, Aman (18) and Wasi (16), were severely wounded. Saudi authorities reported that the strike caused 13 total deaths and left over 300 people injured, including 11 Indian nationals. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed his condolences, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is currently providing assistance to the bereaved family.
Missing Sailors in Oman
The maritime sector has also faced direct hits from the conflict. On October 11, a drone attack struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at the Sohar Anchorage in Oman. While nine of the 11 Indian crew members were successfully rescued, two remain missing: Amit Singh, aged 20-25, from Kushinagar, and Bir Bahadur Yadav, aged 25-26, from Deoria.
The Omani Coast Guard is currently conducting search operations to locate the missing sailors, a move supported by the Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has called for urgent updates regarding their status.
Travel Disruptions and Flight Suspensions
The volatility in the region has forced major airlines to alter their operations. Commercial flights to Saudi Arabia by carriers including Air India and IndiGo have been suspended through October 24. To avoid these disruptions, travelers are being advised to utilize alternative routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar.
Diplomatic Pressure and Safety Concerns
Addressing the UN Security Council on October 16, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized the critical need to ensure the safety of the 10 million Indians residing in GCC countries. He condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, specifically citing the impact on the India-flagged MV DP World Kaveri.
In response to the heightened security alerts, Ambassador Vipul has advised Indian citizens in the region to remain calm and utilize official embassy helplines for assistance. Despite the tension, the Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, recently hosted over 500 members of the Indian diaspora in Salalah, Oman, as part of the Lokayan-26 expedition.
Additional Fatalities Reported
Beyond the direct conflict, workplace accidents have also claimed lives during this period of instability. On October 13, 27-year-old Kashireddy Rakesh died following a crane accident in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.