23 Indians killed in West Asia conflict so far, 15 of them seafarers: MEA

The West Asia conflict is now affecting Indian citizens as well. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly press conference on Tuesday that 23 Indians have died so far. Fifteen of the dead are Indian seafarers.

The latest addition to the toll follows an attack near Oman. According to Jaiswal, a ship was attacked off the Omani coast on November 2 and one Indian was killed. There were 14 Indian crew members on board, of whom 13 were rescued safely. India has thanked the Oman government for the rescue.

Jaiswal recalled that it had earlier been stated that 22 Indians had died in the West Asia conflict, including 14 seafarers. With one more Indian killed in the attack on the ship near Oman, the figure has risen to 23, and the number of seafarers among them is 15.

The ministry strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel "MSV Al Jusufi" near the Limah area of Oman. Of the 14 Indians on board, 13 were rescued, but one died of serious injuries. India has expressed grief over the incident.

The ministry said the process of bringing the 13 surviving Indians home as soon as possible is under way. Arrangements are also being made to bring the mortal remains of the Indian who died to India. The ministry said the Indian embassy in Oman is monitoring the situation and working in coordination with the Oman government.

Asked about attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea region, Jaiswal said 5 Indians have died there so far and 2 Indians are still missing. The incidents have once again raised the question of the safety of Indian seafarers on international sea routes.

The ministry described attacks on commercial ships as deeply worrying. India has appealed to all concerned parties in West Asia to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India wants tensions to ease immediately and efforts toward a solution through diplomatic talks to be completed quickly.

India has demanded that the targeting of commercial ships and civilian infrastructure be stopped, and that movement and trade along sea routes continue without hindrance in accordance with international law. India has expressed hope that peace will soon be established in the region and that safe and open passage of ships on international sea routes will return to normal.