Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Two Indian nationals have been killed, and another remains missing after merchant vessels carrying them came under attack in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. The ministry added that several Indians have also sustained injuries in the Gulf region, with consular officials coordinating medical assistance and support.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, said that the government has been actively monitoring the situation and assisting affected nationals.“There have been reports of some casualties. We have two Indian nationals whom we have lost, and one is missing. These three Indian nationals died or are missing. It happened when they were on merchant vessels which came under attack. A few Indians who have suffered injuries in the GCC region are being treated. Our consulate is in touch with them,” he said.He also confirmed that the Indian national reported injured in Dubai earlier today is undergoing treatment, with consular staff staying in close contact.“Today, in the morning, you would have seen reports that the Indian National was injured in Dubai. This gentleman, our consulate is in touch with him. He is also receiving treatment at the hospital, and we are in regular touch with him to ensure his welfare and well-being,” Jaiswal added.Amid mounting concerns over the safety of Indian citizens in the conflict-hit region, the MEA has activated a dedicated control room to address queries and provide assistance.“In MEA, we have started a control which is functioning. We have been receiving a lot of phone calls regarding Indian nationals and their welfare, and we have been guiding the people calling,” the spokesperson said.India has a sizeable expatriate population across the Gulf and Middle East, many of whom work aboard merchant vessels or in sectors exposed to regional instability.The MEA said it continues to coordinate with Indian missions in the region to ensure the safety and repatriation of affected citizens if necessary.
