Two Indians Killed in Oman Drone Attack; 10 Injured, Mission Assisting

Two Indian expatriate workers were killed and ten others injured after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in Sohar, Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the mission is providing all assistance, with five injured already discharged from hospital. In a separate incident, the 15 crew members of the Safesea Vishnu, attacked near Iraq, have been safely evacuated. The UN Secretary-General has expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, urging de-escalation.

Key Points: 2 Indians Killed in Oman Drone Strike, MEA Provides Assistance

  • Two Indian nationals killed in Oman
  • Drone debris caused casualties in Sohar
  • 10 Indians injured, 5 discharged
  • Mission assisting with repatriation
  • Update on Safesea Vishnu crew evacuation
3 min read

Two Indians killed, 10 injured after attack in Muscat; mission rendering all assistance: MEA

Two Indian nationals killed, 10 injured after drone debris fell in Oman's Sohar. MEA updates on repatriation efforts and Safesea Vishnu crew evacuation.

"Our mission is in close touch... and is rendering all assistance - Aseem Mahajan"

New Delhi, March 13

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary, on Friday shared updates about the death of two Indians who passed away in Muscat and also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the efforts are underway to repatriate the 15 Indian nationals and also to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.

He made the remarks during the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia.

Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment--with none having serious injuries. He underlined that the mission remains in close touch and continues to provide all assistance.

"I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, 5 have been discharged after receiving treatment, and 5 others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them are reported to have serious injuries. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance", Mahajan said.

Two expatriate workers were killed after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial area in the Sohar province of Oman, Al Jazeera reported, citing the state news agency.

Citing a security source, Al Jazeera reported that the drone crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area, resulting in the deaths of two foreign workers and injuries to several others.

Another drone was shot down in the Sohar province during the same incident.

Mahajan also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the 15 crew members had been safely evacuated and efforts are underway to safely bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national, alongside the repatriation of the seafarers.

He said, "An update on Safesea Vishnu, which came under attack on the 9th of March near Basra in Iraq. The 15 crew members have been safely evacuated and are currently lodged in a hotel in Basra. Efforts are also underway to transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national and for safe repatriation of the 15 rescued seafarers. Our mission team is in Basra and is rendering all assistance."

Joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has escalated tension across West Asia on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets. As the war enters its 14th day, the exchange of fire continues with threats of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the energy needs of several nations.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia, warning that the situation poses a major threat to global peace and security.

In a post on X, Guterres said the unfolding conflict has caused immense suffering for civilians and urged all sides to move towards de-escalation and dialogue.

Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the UN chief emphasised that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

"De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," Guterres said, urging all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return immediately to negotiations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
The geopolitical tensions in West Asia are having real, tragic consequences for innocent migrant workers caught in the crossfire. While the MEA's assistance is noted, there needs to be a stronger, proactive advisory for Indian nationals in these volatile regions. Their safety should be the top priority.
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Arjun K
Om Shanti. It's a relief to hear that the injured are not in serious condition and that our mission is on the ground helping. But a serious question: are the companies that send our people to these conflict zones providing adequate insurance and safety protocols? This needs stricter regulation.
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Priya S
The update on the Safesea Vishnu crew is a small relief in this grim news. Our seafarers and expat workers are the unsung heroes who keep our economy afloat with remittances. The government must expedite the repatriation process and provide robust support to all affected families. Jai Hind.
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Michael C
This underscores why global diplomacy is so critical. When major powers clash, it's often citizens from other nations, like these Indian workers, who pay the price. The UN chief is right—de-escalation and dialogue are the only way. Hoping for the safe return of all our nationals.
K
Kavya N
Very sad. May their souls rest in peace. We often only hear about diplomatic tensions, but forget the human cost—the fathers, brothers, and sons working thousands of miles away. The company involved must be held accountable for compensation. Our embassies need to be even more vigilant now.

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