MEA Confirms 22 Indian Nationals Killed in West Asia Conflict
MEA confirms 22 Indian nationals killed in West Asia conflict, including 14 seafarers, as regional violence impacts airports and shipping routes.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 22 Indian nationals have died due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, a figure that includes 14 seafarers. During a media briefing on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian government is deeply concerned by the escalating regional violence.
Escalating Violence and Infrastructure Strikes
The conflict, which began in February 2026 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has seen significant escalations. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have targeted civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd Airport in Dammam.
Maritime security has also been severely impacted, with recent strikes targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of Oman, creating high-risk conditions for international shipping.
Tragic Incidents and Missing Personnel
The MEA provided details on several specific incidents that resulted in the loss of Indian lives:
- Missing Sailors: Two Indian sailors, Amit Singh and Bir Bahadur Yadav, are currently missing following a drone strike on the MT Petro Dolphin near the coast of Oman.
- Riyadh Airport Missile Strike: Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad, was killed during a missile strike at a Riyadh airport. His family members were also present and sustained severe injuries.
- Dammam Airport: One Indian national was confirmed dead following incidents at the Dammam airport.
- Jizan Accident: A 27-year-old individual from Telangana lost their life in a crane collapse in Jizan.
Impact on the Indian Expat Community
The instability in the region poses a massive threat to the large Indian diaspora. The Gulf region hosts approximately 10 million Indians, with 2.74 million residing in Saudi Arabia and over 4 million in the UAE. Many of these workers originate from states such as Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Furthermore, India's maritime sector is particularly vulnerable. As the world's second-largest maritime workforce, India has over 300,000 professionals whose safety is directly tied to the stability of these shipping routes.
Government Response and Safety Measures
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued urgent advisories to citizens, urging them to remain indoors during aerial attacks and to avoid filming or sharing footage of military strikes.
While India continues to call for diplomacy and dialogue, the government is actively coordinating with host nations to assist with the repatriation of remains. Under seafarer welfare schemes, eligible workers may be entitled to ex-gratia compensation of up to ₹10 lakh.
In light of the ongoing security threats, several Indian airlines have already suspended flights to Saudi Arabia.