Two Indian nationals were killed and another remains missing after merchant vessels came under attack amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. The casualties occurred when the Indians were on board commercial ships that were targeted during the hostilities in the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the development and said the government is closely monitoring the situation while extending support to affected nationals and their families.
Speaking to reporters, Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian nationals were caught in attacks on merchant vessels operating in the conflict zone.
"There have been reports of some casualties. We have two Indian nationals whom we have lost, and one is missing. These three Indian nationals died or are missing. It happened when they were on merchant vessels which came under attack," he said.
The MEA also confirmed that a number of Indians injured in the Gulf region are receiving medical treatment. According to officials, one Indian national who was injured in Dubai is currently hospitalised.
"Our consulate is in touch with them. Today, in the morning, you would have seen reports that the Indian National was injured in Dubai. This gentleman, our consulate is in touch with him. He is also receiving treatment at the hospital, and we are in regular touch with him to ensure his welfare and well-being," Randhir Jaiswal said.
As tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, the Indian government has activated a control room to respond to concerns regarding the safety of Indian nationals in the region.
"In MEA, we have started a control which is functioning. We have been receiving a lot of phone calls regarding Indian nationals and their welfare, and we have been guiding the people calling," he said.
