22 Indians killed in West Asia conflict, including 14 seafarers: MEA

Twenty-two Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict, with three deaths reported in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, including 14 seafarers,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his regular media briefing.

“We remain in close touch with our community in the Gulf region for their safety and wellbeing. Three Indians have lost their lives in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

The conflict began in February following attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. India has repeatedly called for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

Tensions have escalated following a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. India has expressed serious concern over strikes targeting Saudi Arabia’s civilian infrastructure and economic assets, warning that they threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

The Iran-backed Houthi group attacked Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a key route for crude oil exports. The pipeline has become increasingly important since the conflict involving Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthi attacks have also raised concerns over the safety of the Bab-el-Mandeb, a strategic maritime chokepoint between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.