28 Indians Dead; Repatriation of Indian Nationals Continues
MEA reports 28 Indian deaths in West Asia and Black Sea conflicts. Over 300,000 citizens have been repatriated since February.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released a sobering update regarding the safety of Indian citizens, detailing the repatriation of Indian nationals amidst escalating regional conflicts. As of November 5, 2026, official records confirm that 28 Indian nationals have lost their lives due to various international tensions.
Fatalities in West Asia and the Black Sea
The majority of the casualties have been reported in the West Asia region, where 23 Indian nationals have died. A significant portion of these victims, 15 in total, were seafarers working in volatile waters. The cumulative figures have risen significantly compared to earlier reports from March 2026, which cited a much lower toll in the Gulf.
A recent and tragic incident involved the MSV AL JUSUFI, an Indian-flagged vessel. On November 2, 2026, the vessel was attacked near Limah, Oman, resulting in the death of Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a seafarer from Gujarat. While Omani authorities were able to successfully rescue 13 other Indian crew members, the Indian Embassy in Oman is currently working to facilitate the repatriation of the survivors and the return of the deceased's remains.
Beyond the Gulf region, the MEA also reported grim news from the Black Sea. Attacks on commercial shipping in that area have resulted in five deaths and two people reported missing.
Massive Repatriation Operations
Amidst the rising instability, the Indian government has been working tirelessly to bring its citizens home. Since February 2026, more than 300,000 (3 lakh) Indian nationals have been successfully repatriated to India through large-scale government efforts.
Government Response and Diplomatic Stance
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the Indian government remains committed to diplomacy and dialogue as the primary tools to restore peace and ensure maritime safety. The ministry has expressed deep concern over the targeting of civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels, calling for the protection of free navigation under international law.
To manage the crisis, the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is closely monitoring maritime incidents. Additionally, Indian diplomatic missions have established 24-hour control rooms to provide essential support, including food, medicine, and logistical aid, to citizens in distress.
Travel Disruptions in the Region
The security situation has also heavily impacted air travel. Several major airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, have extended their flight suspensions to various destinations in Saudi Arabia. These suspensions are expected to remain in place through mid-to-late November 2026.