India has confirmed that 23 of its nationals have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, including 15 Indian seafarers, highlighting the growing risks faced by Indian citizens amid regional hostilities and disruptions to international maritime operations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also reported five Indian fatalities in attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, with two additional nationals still missing.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal disclosed the figures during the ministry’s bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on November 3. Responding to questions about the impact of the conflicts on Indian nationals, he confirmed that the West Asia crisis had resulted in the deaths of 23 Indians, of whom 15 were employed as seafarers. He separately confirmed that five Indian nationals had been killed in incidents involving commercial vessels in the Black Sea, while the whereabouts of two others remained unknown.
The latest figures come following an attack on the Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah, off the coast of Oman. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, November 2, resulted in the death of an Indian crew member and injuries that proved fatal. The vessel was carrying 14 Indian nationals at the time of the attack. Omani Coast Guard personnel rescued 13 surviving crew members following the incident.
The deceased sailor was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. The Indian government expressed condolences over his death and thanked the Omani authorities for their prompt response in rescuing the surviving crew members. According to the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with the relevant Omani authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the 13 rescued sailors and the transportation of the deceased crew member’s mortal remains to India.
The incident has further raised concerns about the safety of Indian maritime personnel operating in waters affected by regional military tensions. Commercial shipping routes across the Persian Gulf and surrounding waterways remain strategically important for international trade, energy transportation and the movement of essential commodities. Attacks on merchant vessels have increased security concerns for shipping companies, crew members and countries whose nationals are employed in the maritime industry.
India has reiterated its position that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must not become targets amid the ongoing hostilities. Jaiswal called on the parties involved to reduce tensions and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to achieve an early restoration of peace and stability. He also stressed the importance of guaranteeing freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways in accordance with international law.
The government has separately expressed concern over the wider consequences of the West Asia conflict, particularly its impact on global fuel supplies, fertilisers, food security and financial flows. India has significant economic and energy interests in the region, alongside a large Indian community living and working across West Asian countries. The security of Indian nationals, therefore, remains a major priority for New Delhi as the situation continues to develop.
The latest casualty figures underline the broader international consequences of the regional crisis, particularly for civilian maritime personnel who continue to work aboard commercial vessels in high-risk waters. India is maintaining diplomatic engagement with the countries concerned while coordinating assistance and repatriation efforts for affected Indian nationals.
New Delhi has once again emphasised that a diplomatic solution, an end to attacks on commercial shipping and the protection of international maritime routes are essential for restoring stability across the region.