At least 13 Indian nationals have lost their lives, and three are reported missing, in the Gulf region since the US-Iran conflict began on February 28, according to government sources. The latest incidents include two Indian nationals killed in separate Iranian strikes on the Gulf waters following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire last week. An Indian national who was reported missing on Sunday after an attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast has been confirmed dead by his family.
The GFS Galaxy vessel, which had 11 Indian nationals on board, came under attack by Iran, resulting in the rescue of 10 crew members, while one remained missing. In another incident on Tuesday, an Indian sailor was killed, and 10 were injured when two UAE-flagged oil tankers came under fire from Tehran. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned Tuesday’s attacks, calling for an immediate cessation of violence, particularly the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
The MEA expressed deep concern over the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry stated that of the total 46 crew members on the two vessels, 30 were Indians. One Indian national onboard MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, and another was injured, while nine Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa sustained injuries, including two who are reported to be seriously injured.
India has urged for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region. The country has emphasized the need for an immediate end to violence and the protection of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
