Twenty-two Indians, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday. The ministry said India was deeply concerned about the situation and remained in close contact with the Indian community in the Gulf region.
Three Indians have been killed in Saudi Arabia.“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, including 14 seafarers,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a regular media briefing.“We remain in close touch with our community in the Gulf region for their safety and wellbeing.
Three Indians have lost their lives in Saudi Arabia,” Jaiswal said, according to PTI.The conflict began in February after attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. India has consistently called for a solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Tensions in West Asia have escalated following several strikes on Saudi Arabia by the Houthis. India has expressed serious concern over attacks on the country's civilian infrastructure and economic assets, warning that they undermine regional stability and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.The Iran-backed Houthi militant group attacked Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, which is crucial for crude oil supplies.
The pipeline has served as an important alternative route for Saudi oil exports since the conflict involving Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have also raised concerns over the safety of the Bab-el-Mandeb shipping lane.
Located between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it is one of the world's most important maritime passages and connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.India has said it remains concerned about the escalating conflict, which has killed 22 Indian nationals, and continues to monitor the safety and wellbeing of Indians in the Gulf region.- Ends