New Delhi: The worsening conflict in West Asia has taken a heavy toll on Indian citizens working in the region, with the death of 13 Indians confirmed so far and three others still missing. At the same time, 148 Indian seafarers remain stranded aboard seven Indian flagged merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf as security concerns continue to disrupt one of the world's busiest maritime routes.
The latest figures, confirmed by the Government of India, reflect the growing dangers faced by Indian nationals caught in the escalating conflict around the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has become increasingly serious in recent weeks as attacks on commercial ships have intensified, putting the lives of civilian sailors at risk.
According to official information, the deaths have occurred since the conflict escalated earlier this year. Many of those who lost their lives were serving as crew members on merchant vessels that were carrying commercial cargo through the Gulf. The government has also confirmed that three Indian nationals remain missing, and efforts are continuing to locate them.
The latest casualties occurred after two merchant ships, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, came under attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The two vessels together had a crew of 46 members, including 30 Indians. One Indian sailor was killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian crew members were injured, with two of them reported to have suffered serious injuries.
The attacks have raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the most important sea routes for global trade, especially for crude oil and petroleum products. Thousands of commercial vessels pass through the narrow waterway every year, making any disruption a matter of international concern.
Following the latest incident, the Government of India strongly protested the attacks on civilian merchant vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and conveyed India's concern over the repeated attacks affecting commercial shipping and innocent sailors.
Indian authorities urged all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safety of civilian vessels operating in international waters. The government also called for immediate steps to prevent further attacks and to protect the lives of merchant navy personnel from different countries.
Apart from the casualties, another major concern is the safety of Indian seafarers who remain stranded in the Gulf region. Officials said seven Indian flagged merchant vessels carrying 148 crew members are unable to leave the area because of the volatile security situation. Shipping companies are closely monitoring developments before allowing the vessels to continue their journeys.
The stranded sailors continue to remain on board as authorities assess the risks posed by the ongoing military activity. Families of the crew members have expressed growing anxiety as uncertainty continues over when the ships will be able to move safely.
India has one of the largest communities of merchant navy personnel in the world, with thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international cargo ships. Many work on vessels transporting crude oil, natural gas and other essential goods through the Gulf, making them particularly vulnerable during periods of regional conflict.
The current crisis has also affected international shipping operations. Several shipping companies have reviewed their routes through the Strait of Hormuz, while insurance costs for vessels operating in the region have risen sharply due to the increased risk of attacks. The disruption has also contributed to fluctuations in global oil prices as markets react to concerns over the security of energy supplies.
The conflict has prompted governments across the world to issue travel and maritime advisories, urging commercial operators to exercise extreme caution while navigating through the affected waters. International maritime organisations have also been monitoring the situation and sharing security updates with shipping companies.
Indian diplomatic missions in the region remain in close contact with local authorities and shipping operators to provide assistance whenever required. Officials have assured families of the stranded crew members that every possible effort is being made to safeguard the lives of Indian citizens and to ensure that those affected receive necessary support.
The government continues to monitor developments on a daily basis as the security situation remains unpredictable. Officials have reiterated that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains a priority and that diplomatic engagement with regional governments will continue.
With tensions showing little sign of easing, concerns remain high for hundreds of civilian sailors working in one of the world's most sensitive maritime regions. As commercial vessels continue to face security threats, India is maintaining close watch over the situation while seeking stronger international cooperation to protect innocent seafarers and restore safe navigation through the Gulf.