India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday that two Indian nationals have been killed and another remains missing after merchant vessels were attacked amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The casualties occurred while the individuals were serving aboard commercial ships that became targets during hostilities in the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal verified the incident and stated that the government is closely monitoring developments. He added that authorities are actively extending assistance and support to the affected individuals and their families during this difficult period.
Addressing the media, Jaiswal said there had been confirmed reports of casualties involving Indian nationals. He stated that two citizens had lost their lives and one person remained unaccounted for after the vessels they were on came under attack. He clarified that all three were working on merchant ships operating in conflict-affected waters when the strikes occurred.
The MEA further confirmed that several Indian nationals injured in the Gulf region are currently undergoing medical treatment. Officials noted that one Indian citizen who sustained injuries in Dubai has been admitted to a hospital and is receiving necessary care.
Jaiswal said the Indian consulate is maintaining direct contact with the injured individual. He emphasized that officials are regularly communicating with him and medical authorities to ensure his safety, treatment, and overall well-being while he remains hospitalised.
As regional tensions continue to rise, the Government of India has established a dedicated control room within the Ministry of External Affairs to respond to concerns regarding the safety of Indian nationals. The facility has been set up to manage emergency communications and provide guidance to families seeking information.
According to Jaiswal, the control room is fully operational and has already been receiving numerous calls related to the welfare of Indian citizens in the region. Officials are responding to queries, offering assistance, and coordinating necessary support measures.
The casualties occurred at a time when commercial maritime operations in the region are facing heightened risks, particularly near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This narrow passage is one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors and has witnessed multiple attacks on merchant vessels and oil tankers as regional hostilities intensified.
Reports indicate that at least three commercial ships were struck by projectiles near the strait on Wednesday alone. Several other vessels have suffered damage in recent days as the conflict escalated further following military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s total oil shipments, making it a lifeline for global energy supply. The attacks have caused serious disruptions to maritime trade and fuel transport, prompting shipping companies to suspend operations or reroute vessels through safer passages.
Due to security concerns, hundreds of oil tankers and cargo ships have been forced to remain anchored in nearby waters, awaiting safer conditions before resuming transit through the high-risk zone.
