22 Indians, Including 14 Seafarers, Die in West Asia Conflict
The Ministry of External Affairs reports the deaths of 22 Indian nationals amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
22 Indian nationals have been killed, including 14 seafarers.
Three Indian deaths occurred in Saudi Arabia amid ongoing regional conflict.
India emphasizes the need for dialogue to ensure maritime safety and regional stability.
In a tragic development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted that three of these fatalities occurred in Saudi Arabia, raising alarms about the safety of Indian citizens in the region.
The conflict, which escalated in February with US and Israeli military actions against Iran, has led to significant attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the Indian government is maintaining close contact with its community in the Gulf to ensure their safety and well-being. The MEA has consistently advocated for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the ongoing tensions.
Recent hostilities have been attributed to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group, which has targeted Saudi Arabia, including a notable strike on the East-West oil pipeline. This pipeline is crucial for transporting crude oil to export terminals on the Red Sea, and its security is vital due to the disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have complicated oil exports in the region.
The implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate regional concerns, as disruptions in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait could impact global energy supplies and commercial shipping. Given India's substantial presence in the global shipping industry, with over 311,000 maritime professionals, the safety of Indian seafarers is of paramount importance. Indian officers alone account for over 13% of the global officer workforce, making their security a direct concern for the Indian government.
In response to these challenges, India, in collaboration with Liberia, initiated a 25-nation Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026. This initiative aims to enhance international cooperation in safeguarding merchant vessels and their crews from targeted attacks, highlighting India's commitment to ensuring the safety of its maritime workforce amidst rising regional tensions.
