West Asia turmoil: US-Iran conflict claims 22 Indian lives, including 14 seafarers

New Delhi: Twenty-two Indians, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday, October 28. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was deeply concerned about the escalating situation and remained in close contact with Indian nationals in the Gulf region.

Jaiswal also confirmed that three Indians had lost their lives in Saudi Arabia. The statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of all 22 deaths.

The conflict began in February following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, according to the report. India has repeatedly called for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy as tensions continue to affect regional security and maritime trade.

The situation has become more concerning following attacks on Saudi Arabian targets attributed to the Iran-backed Houthi militant group. These include an attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, an important route for transporting crude oil and an alternative export channel when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

The attacks have also raised concerns about the safety of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime passage between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. The strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international shipping.

India has expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and economic assets, warning that such incidents threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation. The government continues to monitor developments and maintain contact with the Indian community in the Gulf.