Tragic Loss: Eight Indians Confirmed Dead Amid West Asia Turmoil

Update on Indian Nationals in West Asia

New Delhi: In light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday that eight Indian citizens have tragically lost their lives, with one individual still unaccounted for due to various incidents in the area.

During an inter-ministerial briefing regarding the situation in West Asia, Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the MEA, confirmed that an Indian national was killed in an attack in Kuwait the previous day, although he did not provide further details about the incident.

Mahajan expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, stating, "Our Mission in Kuwait is in contact with the family and is working closely with local authorities to provide support and facilitate the return of the deceased's remains to India."

Previously, on March 20, Mahajan had reported that six Indian nationals had died, with one missing in various incidents.

He updated the figures, confirming that eight Indian nationals have now lost their lives, with one still missing.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia recently reported that an Indian citizen was killed in Riyadh due to events that transpired on March 18.

Since February 28, approximately 550,000 passengers have returned to India from the region, according to the ministry.

The MEA reiterated its commitment to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for restraint and de-escalation, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict swiftly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, on March 28, discussing the ongoing conflict and the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation.

During their conversation, the Prime Minister condemned attacks on regional energy infrastructure.

Mahajan assured that the safety and welfare of the large Indian community in the region is a top priority.

He mentioned that a dedicated Control Room is operational, with missions and posts available 24/7, providing helplines and regular advisories while engaging with Indian community organizations and businesses.

The CBSE has also announced an assessment scheme for Class X and XII results in the region due to exam cancellations caused by the conflict.

Concerns regarding academic matters, including CBSE, ICSE, Kerala boards, and entrance exams like JEE and NEET, are being addressed through outreach to parents and students.

Special attention is being given to the welfare of Indian seafarers, with missions maintaining contact with crew members on vessels in the region.

Mahajan noted that airlines are operating limited non-scheduled flights between India and the UAE, with around 85 flights expected to operate from the UAE to India later on Monday.

Flights are also running from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to multiple destinations in India. With Qatar's airspace partially open, Qatar Airways plans to operate about 10 flights to India on March 30.

However, airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed. Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air are conducting non-scheduled commercial flights from Saudi Arabia to various Indian destinations.

Due to flight restrictions and airspace closures, the MEA is facilitating travel for Indian nationals from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as from Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India.