West Asia war claims 22 Indian lives, seafarers bear the heaviest toll

New Delhi: Twenty-two Indians, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the West Asia conflict since February, the Ministry of External Affairs has said, highlighting the continuing danger to Indian citizens working across the region and its shipping routes. Three of the deaths occurred in Saudi Arabia, where attacks and flight disruptions have also prompted diplomatic efforts to assist Indian nationals.

The ministry’s spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, disclosed the figures on Wednesday, expressing concern over the conflict and outlining India’s continuing contact with its community in the Gulf. The figures represent the cumulative toll over approximately eight months, rather than casualties from a single incident.

“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia,” Jaiswal said. He said the government remained in close touch with Indians in the Gulf over their safety and welfare.

Seafarers account for almost two-thirds of the confirmed Indian fatalities, underscoring the exposure of civilian crews operating through waters affected by the fighting. The three deaths in Saudi Arabia are included in the overall figure of 22.

Jaiswal did not provide a full country-wise breakdown or details of the circumstances surrounding each death. The announcement therefore establishes the overall toll but leaves unanswered questions about the individual incidents and locations.

Shipping routes face overlapping threats

The conflict began in February following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and India has repeatedly called for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. More recent strikes by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi Arabia have intensified concerns about civilian infrastructure, energy installations and commercial navigation.

Among the targets has been Saudi Arabia’s East-West Crude Pipeline (Petroline), which carries crude towards export terminals on the Red Sea. Its importance has increased because disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has complicated the kingdom’s access to its usual export routes.

The threat also extends to Bab al-Mandab, the narrow passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and onward routes into the Arabian Sea. Saudi oil shipped from the Red Sea port of Yanbu towards Asian customers must pass through this waterway, meaning that a route bypassing Hormuz can still face a separate security risk further south.

For India, these overlapping threats affect both the crew transporting cargo and the cost of moving energy and other goods. Diversions around southern Africa can lengthen voyages, while insecurity along established routes can increase freight and insurance costs.

Monitoring and repatriation measures

India has established a system of vessel tracking, emergency communications and repatriation assistance under its “Seafarer-First” initiative. In a parliamentary reply published on August 4, 2026, the shipping ministry said the arrangements included a round-the-clock control room, continuous monitoring and daily situation reports.

That reply recorded the repatriation of 3,972 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region and the safe passage of 60 vessels carrying cargo for India through Hormuz. These are figures reported in August, rather than an updated October count.

The ministry also described coordination with the Navy and the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region to monitor vessels and support emergency responses. Its eNavik platform provides channels for reporting maritime casualties, security incidents and grievances, alongside mechanisms for tracking the authorities’ response.

Flight disruptions affect Indians in Saudi Arabia

Alongside the maritime risks, flight cancellations in Saudi Arabia have affected Indian travellers, particularly Umrah pilgrims. Indian diplomatic officials have been coordinating with airlines, community organizations and Saudi authorities to help passengers arrange their return and address difficulties involving visa validity and delayed departures.

A recent flight advisory listed additional Flynas services from Dammam to Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Kochi. It also identified flights from Riyadh to Delhi, Hyderabad and Kozhikode on selected dates, while noting continuing services from Jeddah and Madinah through Saudi carriers and connecting options on other airlines.

The consulate advised passengers to confirm schedules, bookings and travel arrangements directly with airlines before leaving for airports. It said round-the-clock control rooms in Jeddah and Mecca remained available to assist Indian nationals affected by the disruptions.