23 Indians Killed in West Asia Conflict, MEA Confirms
India's MEA confirms 23 nationals killed in West Asia conflict and 5 in Black Sea shipping attacks. Details on casualties and repatriation efforts.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revealed a grim toll of Indian casualties resulting from the ongoing volatility in West Asia and the Black Sea region. During a bi-weekly press briefing on Tuesday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that 23 Indian nationals have lost their lives in the West Asia conflict, with a significant number of these casualties being maritime workers.
Maritime Casualties and Black Sea Attacks
The tragedy has hit the seafaring community particularly hard. Out of the 23 Indians killed in the West Asia conflict, 15 were Indian seafarers. The danger to commercial shipping extends beyond West Asia; Jaiswal further disclosed that five Indian nationals were killed during attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. Additionally, two Indian citizens from the Black Sea incidents remain missing.
Tragedy off the Coast of Oman
The latest incident involved an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah, Oman, which carried 14 Indian crew members. One seafarer, identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, was killed in the attack. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also confirmed the fatality earlier in the day.
The MEA is currently coordinating the following efforts:
- Repatriation: Ensuring the safe return of the 13 surviving Indian crew members rescued from the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI.
- Repatriation of Remains: Working to transport the mortal remains of Gandhar Nahim Ajij back to India.
Spokesperson Jaiswal expressed gratitude toward the Omani authorities for their prompt response and swift action following the attack.
India’s Call for Diplomacy
Amidst the rising number of casualties and repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and wider West Asian region, India has reiterated its stance on peace. The government is calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urging all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.
"We once again call upon parties to take dialogue and diplomacy forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways must be restored and be guaranteed," the MEA stated.