Thirteen Indian nationals have been killed, while three others remain missing in the Gulf region since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict in February this year, according to government sources.
Fresh tensions have emerged in West Asia, with strikes involving Iran and the United States casting uncertainty over the interim peace arrangement between the two sides.
The conflict began on February 28, involving Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other. The hostilities have significantly disrupted maritime transportation and energy supply chains across the region.
India has reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and has emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation and the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
MEA Expresses Deep Concern
Responding to media queries during the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is deeply concerned over attacks on two commercial vessels in which one Indian national lost his life.
“We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is vital for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world,” he said.
Jaiswal stated that the MEA summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of Iran and conveyed India’s strongest concerns over the attacks on two vessels—MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa—while they were transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian Seafarers Affected
The two vessels carried 30 Indian seafarers as part of their combined crew of 46.
- Of the 12 Indian nationals aboard MT Al Bahiyah, one lost his life and another sustained injuries.
- Of the 18 Indian nationals aboard MT Mombasa, nine were injured, including two who are reported to be in serious condition.
India Lodges Strong Protest
Jaiswal said:
“We issued a statement after summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission of Iran. We conveyed our deepest concerns, strongly condemned the incident, and registered India’s strongest protest. We lost a precious Indian life, while several Indian nationals have been injured, some of them seriously. These attacks must stop immediately.”
He further stressed the need for de-escalation, urging Iran and the United States to return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in West Asia.
“Both sides should return to the negotiating table and pursue dialogue and diplomacy so that peace and stability can be ensured in West Asia,” he added.
Assistance to Indian Nationals
The MEA expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
According to the ministry:
“Our Mission and Post in the UAE are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant contact with the UAE authorities to ensure all possible assistance to the affected Indian seafarers.”
The ministry also confirmed that the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi was summoned and formally handed India’s strong protest over the attacks.
India’s Appeal
India strongly condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure, describing them as a threat to the safety of international maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.
The MEA called for:
- An immediate cessation of violence.
- Protection of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
- Restoration of free and safe navigation through international waterways.
- A return to diplomacy and dialogue to ensure peace, security, and stability in the region.
The ministry emphasized that attacks on commercial vessels must cease immediately so that international maritime trade can continue safely and in accordance with international law.