Indian Navy sailors rescuing Indian seamen during a rescue operation

India has lost 23 nationals amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with 15 of those fatalities involving Indian seafarers, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The figures were disclosed by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the ministry's bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

Jaiswal also provided details on Indian casualties linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. He said that five Indian nationals had been killed in such incidents, while two others remain missing.

The update highlights the growing human cost of regional instability for Indian citizens, particularly those employed in the maritime sector. Indian seafarers continue to operate on commercial vessels passing through areas affected by conflict, heightened security risks and disruptions to international shipping routes.

The MEA's remarks came as India renewed its appeal for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions in West Asia and restore the safety of maritime navigation. The call followed the death of an Indian crew member after an attack on a commercial vessel operating off the coast of Oman.

The deceased seafarer was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. He was among 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI when the incident occurred near Limah, Oman.

Providing an update on the crew, Jaiswal said the government was working to ensure the swift return of the surviving sailors to India. “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 to be transported back to India.”

He also expressed appreciation for the response of the Omani authorities, stating, “I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action.”

Reiterating India's position on the regional crisis, Jaiswal stressed the need for an immediate reduction in tensions and a diplomatic resolution. “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 must be guaranteed.”

Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the death of the Indian seafarer in the attack near the Omani coast.

The latest incident adds to a series of attacks involving commercial vessels and maritime personnel in the Persian Gulf and the wider West Asian region, where ongoing hostilities have intensified risks to international shipping and the movement of seafarers.

ANI