Two Indians killed, one missing after attacks on merchant vessels amid West Asia conflict: MEA

Two Indian citizens were killed while one is missing amid attacks on merchant vessels as conflict continues in West Asia between the US-Israel combine and Iran, as per a press briefing on Wednesday by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The MEA also said that some Indians have sustained injuries amid the conflict in the GCC region and one person is being treated in Dubai.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press conference, 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. 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."

28 Indian vessels stuck in Persian Gulf

28 Indian vessels carrying 778 seafarers are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf, a government official said on Wednesday.

Out of the 28 vessels, 24 are currently on the western region of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 seafarers. The other four vessels with 101 personnel are on the eastern side, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said in a media briefing.

"We are monitoring all the vessels actively for their safety and security. Authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies...are closely coordinating with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and render medical assistance to them," the official said.

The ministry is continuing 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 Asia region in order to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and seafarers, Sinha said.

Centre, Gulf nations helping Indians amid West Asia conflict: PM Modi

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Centre and Gulf nations were doing everything possible to help Indians stranded during the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Addressing an NDA rally in Kochi, the PM said that his government always makes every effort possible to help its citizens when they are in trouble.

"Be it saving the nurses stranded in Iraq or freeing Father Tom from the clutches of terrorists in Yemen, India now does not abandon its citizens in their time 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 amidst the war are safe and receive all possible facilities," the PM said.

With agency inputs