Two Indian nationals have been killed and one is missing in attacks on merchant vessels, according to a State Department press briefing on Wednesday, as conflict between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran continues in West Asia.
The MEA also said that some Indians sustained injuries during the conflict in the GCC region and one person is being treated in Dubai.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a press conference: There are reports of some casualties. We have two Indian citizens that we have lost and one is missing. The three Indian nationals have died or are missing. It happened when they were on merchant vessels that were attacked. Several Indians who sustained injuries in the GCC area are being treated. Our consulate is in contact with them. This morning you would have seen news that an Indian was injured in Dubai. This gentleman, our consulate is in contact with him. He is also being treated in hospital and we are in regular contact with him to ensure his well-being and well-being.”
28 Indian vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf
28 Indian vessels carrying 778 sailors are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, a government official said on Wednesday.
Of the 28 vessels, 24 are currently in the western region of the Strait of Hormuz and carry 677 sailors. Another four vessels with 101 personnel are on the eastern side, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, told a media briefing.
“We are actively monitoring all vessels for their safety and security. Authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies… are working closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and provide them with medical assistance,” the official said.
The Department continues to closely monitor the prevailing and evolving maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region. It has strengthened monitoring and preparedness measures in view of the evolving maritime situation in the West Asian region to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and seafarers, Sinha said.
Centre, Gulf countries helping Indians amid conflict in West Asia: PM Modi
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Central and Gulf countries were doing everything to help Indians stranded during the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Addressing an NDA rally in Kochi, the prime minister said his government would always make every effort to help its citizens when they are in trouble.
“Whether it is rescuing nurses stranded in Iraq or freeing Father Tom from the clutches of terrorists in Yemen, India is now not abandoning its citizens in times of crisis.
“Father Alexis Premkumar was safely rescued and brought back from Afghanistan. Even today, our aim is to ensure that Indians stranded in West Asia in the middle of war are safe and given all possible facilities,” the Prime Minister said.
