MEA says 23 Indians died in West Asia conflict, 5 in Black Sea shipping attacks
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that 23 Indian nationals, including 15 Indian seafarers, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
It noted that 5 more Indian nationals have died in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, while two others remain missing.
MEA stated that 1 Indian national was killed in an attack on a commercial vessel off Oman, with 13 others rescued and arrangements underway for their return.
According to the media report, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said one Indian national died after a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman on Monday. He thanked the Omani authorities for rescuing the remaining 13 Indian nationals.
Jaiswal shared the figures said the number of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia conflict has increased from 22 to 23. Of these, 15 were Indian seafarers.
“In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals who we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers and today we have lost one more, yesterday that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of which 15 of them are Indian seafarers,” he said.
Jaiswal said the government is working to bring back the 13 Indian nationals rescued from the vessel. Arrangements are also being made to transport the mortal remains of the Indian national who died in the attack.
“Yesterday we had an attack on an Indian ship. We have issued a statement; you would have seen the details. On that ship we had 14 Indian crew members. Of them, tragically, unfortunately, one of them has died. We are now in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals who are there, are repatriated back to India. We also are working to see how best and when we can also have the mortal remains of the Indian national who has died, those remains to be transported back to India,” the MEA spokesperson said.
He thanked the Omani authorities for their swift response in rescuing the 13 Indian crew members after the vessel came under attack on November 2.
He also reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region.
“I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action in which they were able to rescue 13 Indian nationals when the ship came under attack. We once again call upon parties that dialogue and diplomacy must be taken forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waterways must be restored and must be guaranteed,” he added.
MEA noted that on Indian casualties in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, Jaiswal said five Indian killed.
India condemned the attack on commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah, Oman, which claimed the life of an Indian national.
In a statement, the MEA said, “We condemn the attack on a commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI, near Limah, Oman yesterday evening. Of the 14 Indian nationals on board, 13 have been rescued while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life after sustaining injuries. We convey our deepest condolences on the precious life lost. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased.”
The ministry expressed concern over continued attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region. It called for an immediate reduction in tensions and a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA added.
