Two Indian citizens have been killed and another remains missing after merchant vessels came under attack in the Persian Gulf amid the escalating conflict in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the development during a press briefing on Wednesday, raising concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working in the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the victims were working aboard merchant ships that were targeted during the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to him, the government has received reports confirming the death of two Indian nationals, while one person is still missing following the attacks. Authorities are continuing efforts to gather more details about the incident and identify the affected individuals.
The ministry also confirmed that several Indians have been injured during the unrest in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. One Indian citizen who sustained injuries is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital in Dubai. Officials from the Indian consulate are in regular contact with the injured individual and local authorities to ensure proper medical care and support.
Amid the rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, the Indian government is closely monitoring 28 merchant vessels carrying a total of 778 Indian seafarers. Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that most of these vessels are operating near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route used for global oil shipments.
Government data shows that 24 of the vessels, carrying around 677 Indian sailors, are currently located on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz. The remaining four ships, with 101 crew members on board, are positioned on the eastern side of the waterway. Authorities have intensified surveillance and communication with ship operators to ensure the safety of the crew.
Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said the government is actively tracking all vessels operating in the region. Indian embassies, ship managers, and recruitment agencies are working closely with local authorities to ensure that seafarers receive immediate assistance if required. Officials have also strengthened preparedness measures in view of the rapidly evolving maritime situation in West Asia.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes every day. Any escalation in conflict in this region can quickly disrupt maritime trade and put commercial vessels at risk.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the issue during a National Democratic Alliance rally in Kochi on Wednesday. He assured that the Indian government, along with Gulf nations, is doing everything possible to support Indians affected by the conflict in West Asia.
The Prime Minister said India has always prioritized the safety of its citizens abroad and continues to take proactive steps during international crises. He referred to previous rescue operations carried out by the government, including the evacuation of Indian nurses stranded in Iraq and the rescue of Father Tom from terrorists in Yemen. He also mentioned the safe return of Father Alexis Premkumar from Afghanistan.
According to Modi, India remains committed to ensuring that its citizens in conflict zones receive all possible assistance and protection. The government is maintaining close contact with Indian missions in the region to monitor the situation and respond quickly to any emergency.
The latest attacks have once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of Indian sailors working on international merchant vessels. India is one of the largest providers of seafarers in the global shipping industry, with professionals serving on ships operating across major trade routes.
As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, authorities remain on high alert to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and crew members navigating through the region. Officials say monitoring efforts will continue until the maritime situation stabilizes.