In a briefing held in New Delhi, Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), disclosed that five Indian nationals have lost their lives, and one is currently unaccounted for amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia. He emphasized that Indian diplomatic missions are operational around the clock to provide necessary assistance.

Mahajan stated, “We have confirmed the deaths of five Indian citizens. One Indian national remains missing from a prior incident.” The MEA is actively coordinating with concerned authorities in Oman, Iraq, and the UAE to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and to locate the missing individual.

Measures for Indian Nationals in the Region

The Additional Secretary conveyed that the MEA is extending support to seafarers in the affected areas, maintaining close communication with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. For Indian citizens in Bahrain and Kuwait, where direct flights are presently unavailable, the missions are issuing visa extensions and transit visas to facilitate their return to India via Saudi Arabia. Mahajan also provided insights into the recent attack in Sohar, Oman, which have resulted in the deaths of two Indians and injuries to ten others; however, reports indicate that none of the injuries are life-threatening. The Indian Embassy in Oman is actively involved in coordinating assistance, including working with local hospitals and the families of those impacted.

Details on Specific Incidents and Ongoing Efforts

Regarding the incident involving the Safesea Vishnu, Mahajan noted that the team on the ground is focused on ensuring the prompt return of the crew members. These fifteen crew members were safely evacuated and are currently residing in a hotel in Basra, Iraq. The MEA is also facilitating the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national. In a related update, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, shared that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, named Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz with about 92,700 Metric Tons of LPG en route back to India.

Regional Security and International Reactions

The updates come in the context of a deteriorating security situation in West Asia following the targeted killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran on February 28, resulting from coordinated US-Israeli strikes. In response, Iran has aimed attacks at Israeli and US assets across various Gulf nations, disrupting crucial shipping lanes and impacting global energy supply chains. As the conflict continues into its fourteenth day, there are significant concerns regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which could have widespread repercussions for energy-dependent nations worldwide. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a warning about the escalating crisis, indicating the threat it poses to international peace and security.

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