New Delhi, Oct 28: Indians killed in West Asia conflict have reached 22, including 14 seafarers, India said on Wednesday, expressing concern over the ongoing situation in the region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that three Indians had so far lost their lives in Saudi Arabia and that the government remained in close touch with the Indian community to ensure their safety and well-being.
“On the question of the total number of people who we have unfortunately lost in the war in West Asia, as I have told you before, we are deeply concerned with the ongoing conflict in West Asia. So far we have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, which includes 14 seafarers, and on our part we remain in close touch with the community there so that we can do our best for their safety and well-being…” said Jaiswal.
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“We have lost three people in Saudi Arabia so far”, he added.
MEA Confirms 22 Indians Killed in West Asia
The statement from the Ministry of External Affairs highlights India’s concern over the continuing conflict in West Asia and its impact on Indian nationals in the region. The confirmed toll includes 14 seafarers, while the government continues to maintain contact with Indian communities to provide assistance and monitor their well-being.
Jaiswal said that the government remained engaged with the Indian community and was making efforts to support their safety amid the prevailing situation. The MEA has continued to communicate with Indian nationals through its diplomatic missions and issue advisories as circumstances require.
The spokesperson’s remarks also drew attention to the deaths reported in Saudi Arabia, where three Indian nationals have lost their lives so far, according to the statement. The government has reiterated its concern over the wider conflict and the risks faced by Indians living and working in affected areas.
Indian Embassy Issues Safety Advisory in Saudi Arabia
Earlier on October 16, India advised its nationals in Saudi Arabia to take due precautions under the prevailing situation, visit the nearest safe place in case of an aerial attack, and refrain from filming, publishing or sharing any information, photos and videos regarding the ongoing events.
“The Indian Community in Saudi Arabia is advised to take due precautions under the prevailing situation. In case of an aerial attack, immediately proceed to the nearest safe place (inside a building or an interior room away from windows), and refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photos, or videos related to the ongoing events,” the Indian Embassy posted on X.
The advisory urged Indian nationals to prioritise their personal safety and follow the precautions outlined by the Embassy. It specifically advised people to move to a safe location inside a building or an interior room away from windows in the event of an aerial attack.
The Embassy also cautioned against filming or sharing information and visual material related to the ongoing events. The guidance was issued amid concerns about the security situation and the potential risks to people in the region.
The Embassy said that its officials continue to visit hospitals where Indian nationals are undergoing treatment and are in constant touch with their families and providing necessary assistance.
India Condemns Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
India reiterated its condemnation of attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, terming them “unacceptable” while expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia in defence of its sovereignty.
India’s position reflects its concern over the safety of civilians and the impact of the conflict on people and essential infrastructure. The government has continued to emphasise the need to protect Indian nationals and maintain communication with communities in affected areas.
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MEA Maintains Contact With Indian Community
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi earlier this month, Jaiswal expressed hope that peace and normalcy return to the region soon.
He said that the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia remained in regular touch with the Indian community and also issued advisories.
The government continues to monitor developments and communicate with Indian nationals through its diplomatic mission. Maintaining contact with community members and their families remains an important part of the efforts to provide information and assistance during the ongoing conflict.
The latest statement confirms that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have lost their lives in the conflict in West Asia. With three deaths reported in Saudi Arabia, the MEA has reiterated its concern and its commitment to remaining in contact with the Indian community to support their safety and well-being.
— IANS
