West Asia war: 22 Indians killed in eight months, including 14 seafarers, says MEA

India has lost 22 of its nationals, including 14 seafarers, in the ongoing conflict in West Asia over the past eight months, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was deeply concerned about the continuing hostilities and remained in close contact with the Indian community across the region to help safeguard their lives and well-being.

“We are deeply concerned with the ongoing conflict in West Asia. So far, we have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, which includes 14 seafarers,” Jaiswal said.

He added that Indian authorities were maintaining contact with the community in the region and doing what they could to ensure its safety amid the deteriorating security situation.

“On our part, we have been in close touch with the community there so that we can do our best for the safety and well-being,” the spokesperson said.

US-Israel strikes on Iran trigger regional escalation

The conflict escalated on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing the country's Supreme Leader and other senior officials. Tehran retaliated by targeting US military bases across the Gulf and restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for global shipping and energy supplies.

The disruption has heightened concerns over maritime security and the risks faced by commercial vessels and their crews operating in and around the Gulf.

The deaths of 14 Indian seafarers account for a significant share of the Indian casualties reported by the MEA. The government has said it is keeping in touch with Indian nationals in the region as hostilities continue.

India has a substantial expatriate community across West Asia, while Indian seafarers serve aboard commercial vessels operating on international shipping routes. The continuing conflict has therefore raised concerns about the safety of both Indian residents and maritime workers in the region.