New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that eight Indian nationals have lost their lives while one person remains missing in separate incidents linked to the ongoing conflict across parts of West Asia.
At an inter ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Additional Secretary for Gulf affairs Aseem R Mahajan stated that the deaths occurred in different situations across the region as tensions and violence intensified in recent weeks. He also confirmed that an Indian national was killed in an attack in Kuwait, though detailed circumstances surrounding the incident were not disclosed.
The government expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said that Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating with local authorities to support relatives and facilitate the early return of the mortal remains to India.
Officials also noted that the Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia had earlier reported the death of another Indian citizen in Riyadh following violent incidents that occurred on March 18.
Despite the difficult situation, the government said a large number of people have managed to travel back home. Since February 28, approximately 5.5 lakh passengers have returned from various countries in the region to India through scheduled and special travel arrangements.
The Ministry reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments across the Gulf and West Asia and continues to urge restraint and de escalation from all parties involved in the conflict. Officials emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential for bringing the crisis to an early end.
Government representatives also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a telephone conversation with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. During the discussion, both leaders reviewed the regional situation and agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting critical energy infrastructure.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the safety and welfare of the large Indian diaspora in the region remain a top priority. Special control rooms and 24 hour helplines continue to operate through Indian embassies and consulates across West Asia to assist citizens and provide updated travel advisories.
Due to airspace closures and flight restrictions in some countries, authorities are also facilitating evacuation routes through neighbouring nations such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals stranded in the conflict affected region.
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