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5 Indians Killed in West Asia Conflict; One Missing, Says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that five Indian nationals have been killed and one is missing amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Indian missions in the region are working on repatriating the remains and assisting other citizens with visa extensions and transit. The security situation remains volatile, with Iran's retaliatory strikes disrupting key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. The UN Secretary-General has expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis and its threat to global security.

Key Points: 5 Indians Killed in West Asia Conflict, MEA Confirms

  • 5 Indians killed in conflict
  • 1 Indian national reported missing
  • Missions assisting with repatriation & visas
  • Regional tensions disrupt shipping routes
3 min read

West Asia Conflict: 'Five Indians lost lives, one missing', says MEA

MEA reports 5 Indian nationals killed, 1 missing in West Asia conflict. Updates on repatriation, seafarer safety, and regional tensions provided.

"We have five Indians who have lost their lives and one who is missing - Aseem Mahajan, MEA"

New Delhi, March 14

Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary, on Saturday informed that five Indians had been killed while one was injured in the conflict in West Asia. He said that the Missions remain open round the clock and are constantly working in all assistance efforts.

Mahajan made the remarks during the inter-ministerial briefing on the recent developments in West Asia here in the national capital.

He said, "We have five Indians who have lost their lives and one who is missing in earlier incident. Our missions in Oman, Iraq, UAE remain in touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased after completing requisite formalities."

He underlined that all support is being rendered to the seafarers in the region and the MEA is in close coordination with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping.

The Additional Secretary (Gulf) said that for places such as Bahrain and Kuwait from where direct flights are not operating, the Indian nationals are being assisted with visa extensions and transit visas for their journey to India via Saudi Arabia.

He shared an update on the attack in Sohar city in Oman which resulted in the death of two Indians and injured 10 others and said that none of them were reported to be seriously injured.

"Our mission has been on the ground and is rendering all assistance and is in contant touch with the concerned Omani authorities, local companies, hospitals and families of the affected Indians. The Embassy is also coordinating to facilitate the early return of the mortal remains of the two deceased Indian nationals to India."

On the Safesea Vishnu incident, he said that the team has been on the ground for the early return of the 15 crew members of Safesea Vishnu who were safely evacuated and are currently residing at a hotel in Basra, Iraq.

"They are also working with the concerned authorities for the early return of the mortal remains to India of the Indian national"

Also at the briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry on Friday informed that two Indian flagged LPG carrying vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi have transited through the Strait of Hormuz and now are on their way to India with approximately 92,700 Metric Tons of LPG.

The developments come amid the evolving security situation in West Asia and the Gulf after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28 in joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran.

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see the MEA and embassies are working round the clock. Assisting with visa extensions and transit is crucial. But we need a more proactive, long-term strategy for evacuations from conflict zones, not just reactive measures after tragedies occur.
A
Aman W
The Strait of Hormuz situation is very worrying. If it closes, it will hit our energy imports and economy hard. We rely so much on that route. Jai Hind, but we need strong diplomacy to keep these sea lanes open. Our foreign policy needs to be sharp.
S
Sarah B
As someone married to an Indian and living here, I see how these global conflicts directly impact Indian families. The anxiety of those waiting for news must be unbearable. The coordination between ministries mentioned here is a positive step.
V
Vikram M
Shocking and sad. These are someone's fathers, brothers, sons. We always say "Atithi Devo Bhava" but what about our own people working abroad? Their sacrifice for the nation's prosperity should never be forgotten. Government should provide substantial compensation to the families.
K
Karthik V
Good to hear about Shivalik and Nanda Devi ships transiting safely with LPG. That's essential supply. But the bigger picture is scary - US, Israel, Iran... their fight is costing innocent Indian lives. We must urge for an immediate ceasefire through all diplomatic channels.

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