West Asia Conflict Claims 22 Indian Lives, Including 14 Seafarers; India Raises Alarm
The escalating conflict in West Asia has claimed the lives of 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, prompting India to express serious concern over the deteriorating security situation and its implications for regional stability and maritime safety.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the deaths during a regular media briefing on Wednesday. He also stated that three Indian nationals had been killed in Saudi Arabia.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, including 14 seafarers,” Jaiswal said, adding that the government remained in close contact with the Indian community across the Gulf region to monitor their safety and well-being.
The conflict began in February following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Since then, hostilities have spread across the region, raising concerns over civilian security, energy supplies and international shipping. India has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to bring an end to the crisis.
Tensions have intensified further following attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group on Saudi Arabia. India has voiced strong concern over strikes targeting the kingdom’s civilian infrastructure and economic assets, warning that such attacks threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation.
One of the major concerns is the reported attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a vital route for transporting crude oil to export terminals. With the conflict disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the pipeline has assumed greater importance as an alternative route for Saudi oil exports.
Attention has also turned to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important maritime passage situated between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, making it a crucial link in global shipping networks.
Any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could affect international trade, global energy supplies and commercial shipping, while placing seafarers operating in the region at greater risk.
As the situation remains volatile, New Delhi continues to monitor developments and maintain contact with Indian nationals in the Gulf. India has reiterated the importance of resolving the crisis through peaceful negotiations and diplomacy, while expressing concern over the growing risks to its citizens and maritime interests.
