The death toll among Indian nationals caught up in the West Asia conflict has risen to 23, including 15 seafarers, while five more Indians have been killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. Two Indian nationals also remain missing in the Black Sea region.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said one Indian seafarer was killed after a vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack off the Oman coast on Monday. The Omani authorities successfully rescued the remaining 13 Indian crew members.
Jaiswal thanked the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue efforts after the November 2 attack. The Indian government is working to facilitate the early repatriation of the 13 rescued crew members and arrange the transportation of the deceased seafarer’s mortal remains to India.
With the latest fatality, the number of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia conflict has increased from 22 to 23. Of these, 15 were Indian seafarers, highlighting the growing risks maritime personnel face amid escalating regional tensions.
Separately, responding to questions about casualties involving commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, Jaiswal confirmed that five Indian nationals had lost their lives in attacks on merchant vessels, while two others remained missing.
Reiterating India’s position on the ongoing conflict, the MEA spokesperson called on all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region. He also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through international waterways.
India has consistently called for the protection of civilian lives and maritime personnel, as attacks on commercial vessels continue to raise concerns over the safety of seafarers and the security of international shipping routes.