New Delhi [India], November 3 (ANI): India has lost 23 nationals in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, including 15 Indian seafarers. Five Indian nationals have also been killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, while two others remain missing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday.
Addressing questions during the MEA’s biweekly press briefing, Jaiswal shared figures on Indian casualties in the two regions, highlighting the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
“We have lost 23 Indian nationals in the conflict in West Asia, out of which 15 were Indian seafarers,” Jaiswal said.
Responding to a question about the number of Indian nationals killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, the MEA spokesperson confirmed that five Indians had lost their lives, while two others remained missing.
“There was also a question earlier about how many Indian nationals have been lost in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. There, we have lost five Indian nationals, and two continue to be missing,” he added.
His remarks came as India reiterated its call Tuesday for “dialogue and diplomacy” to ease ongoing tensions in West Asia, restore peace and ensure the safety of maritime navigation. The appeal followed the death of an Indian seafarer after a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman.
Jaiswal assured that the 13 Indian nationals rescued from the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah, Oman, would be repatriated promptly.
The deceased seafarer was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, from Gujarat.
Expressing gratitude to the Omani authorities for their swift response following the incident, Jaiswal called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations toward a diplomatic solution in West Asia.
“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 are repatriated back to India. We also are working when we can have the mortal remains of the Indian national transported back to India. I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action,” he said.
“We once again call upon parties to take dialogue and diplomacy forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways must be restored and guaranteed,” he added.
The statement came after Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed earlier Tuesday the death of an Indian seafarer following the attack on the vessel, which was carrying 14 Indian crew members, near the Omani coast.
The incident comes amid repeated reports of attacks involving commercial vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf and the wider West Asian region amid the ongoing conflict. (ANI)
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