8 Indians Dead in West Asia Conflict, 1 Missing: MEA
India steps up evacuation, urges restraint as Gulf tensions escalate
- Ministry of External Affairs confirms 8 Indian deaths, 1 missing
- Fresh casualty reported in Kuwait amid ongoing conflict
- Over 5.5 lakh Indians returned since February 28
- Govt continues evacuation, diplomatic outreach
GG News Bureau
New Delhi,30th March: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday said that eight Indian nationals have lost their lives and one remains missing amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
At a special inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan said the casualties occurred in “various incidents” across the region, including a recent death in Kuwait.
“We express our deepest condolences… our Mission in Kuwait is coordinating closely with authorities and the family for support and repatriation,” he said.
The latest update marks an increase from earlier figures, when six deaths were reported. Officials said the situation remains fluid as tensions continue across the Gulf.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s call for restraint, urging all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both leaders discussed the crisis and stressed the importance of securing energy infrastructure and ensuring freedom of navigation.
The government said the safety and welfare of the Indian community in the region remains a top priority, with missions operating round-the-clock helplines and assistance systems.
Since February 28, around 5.5 lakh passengers have returned to India amid the crisis, with multiple evacuation routes being coordinated through countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Air travel remains disrupted, with limited flights operating from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, while airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain continues to remain closed.
Authorities are also facilitating the movement of Indian nationals from conflict-affected zones through alternative transit routes.
The MEA said it is also addressing academic concerns of students in the region and ensuring support for Indian seafarers stranded in affected waters.
Officials emphasised that India continues to closely monitor developments and will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.
