22 Indian Nationals, Including 14 Seafarers, Killed In US-Iran War, Confirms External Ministry

The ongoing West Asia conflict has claimed the lives of twenty-two Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, on October 28, as confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Over the past eight months, several Indian crew members have been killed, injured, or reported missing during the US-Israel war. In an MEA press briefing, the spokesperson said that the government has been in contact with the Indian population in the area to ensure their safety. Three Indians have also died in Saudi Arabia.

The US and Israeli conflict against Iran began in February when Iran’s Supreme Leader was killed during the strikes. In response, Tehran targeted US bases across the Gulf. This resulted in traffic restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

Per reports, the first Indian casualty occurred on March 1, 2026. One Indian crew member was killed during the attack on the oil tanker, which was attacked in the Straight of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman.

Attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian infrastructure claimed an Indian national’s life in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on October 21. According to the Indian Express, India condemned attacks on the civilian and energy infrastructure of Saudi Arabia following this incident.

The Indian Government condemned the attacks again after another Indian national was injured in an attack on the Shaybah oil field the day before. India condemned both attacks.

The attacks on Saudi Arabia increased as the Iran-backed Houthi group opened the front from Yemen and targeted Saudi Arabia’s airports and energy fields. These attacks have heightened concerns about the critical transportation route for crude oil at the Red Sea’s export terminals. This route became pivotal after disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz began complicating oil exports.

These attacks re-established concerns about the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait as well, which is a strategic route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Conflicts in these routes could cause disruptions in commercial shipping and global energy supplies. It can also affect seafarers working in this area.

The government is coordinating with shipping companies, vessel operators, and diplomatic missions to inspect the situation and provide aid to crew members.

In the past 8 months, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, about the ongoing conflict.