23 Indians Killed in West Asia Conflict, Five Dead in Black Sea Shipping Attacks
NEW DELHI– At least 23 Indian nationals, including 15 seafarers, have been killed in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while five others have died in attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea region, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Tuesday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the latest casualties during a media briefing in New Delhi, reporting that another Indian national died Monday when a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack near the coast of Oman.
The vessel, identified as MSV AL JUSUFI, was attacked near Limah, Oman, leaving one Indian crew member dead and prompting a rescue operation by Omani authorities that saved the remaining 13 Indians aboard.
Jaiswal said the latest fatality brought the total number of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia conflict to 23, including 15 seafarers.
“In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals who we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers and today we have lost one more, yesterday that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of which 15 of them are Indian seafarers,” Jaiswal said.
Indian officials are coordinating with authorities in Oman to arrange the return of the 13 rescued crew members to India. Efforts are also underway to repatriate the remains of the deceased sailor.
“Yesterday we had an attack on an Indian ship. We have issued a statement; you would have seen the details. On that ship we had 14 Indian crew members. Of them, tragically, unfortunately, one of them has died. We are now in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals who are there, they are repatriated back to India. We also are working to see how best and when we can also have the mortal remains of the Indian national who has died, those remains to be transported back to India,” Jaiswal said.
He expressed appreciation for the swift response by Omani authorities, whose rescue operation prevented further loss of life.
“I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action in which they were able to rescue 13 Indian nationals when the ship came under attack. We once again call upon parties that dialogue and diplomacy must be taken forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waterways must be restored and must be guaranteed,” he added.
The ministry also provided an update on Indian casualties in the Black Sea region, where attacks on commercial shipping have resulted in additional deaths and disappearances.
“There we have five Indian nationals who have been lost, and two continue to be missing,” Jaiswal said.
Earlier Tuesday, the Indian government condemned the attack on MSV AL JUSUFI and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased crew member.
“We condemn the attack on a commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI, near Limah, Oman yesterday evening. Of the 14 Indian nationals on board, 13 have been rescued while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life after sustaining injuries. We convey our deepest condolences on the precious life lost. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased,” the ministry said in a statement.
India also renewed its appeal for an immediate reduction in hostilities, warning that repeated attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure threaten international trade and maritime security.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA said. (Source: IANS)
