India confirms 22 nationals killed in West Asia conflict

Ministry of External Affairs West Asia conflict Indian seafarers maritime security Randhir Jaiswal

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have been killed due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the deaths occurred over the last eight months following the escalation of regional hostilities in February 2026.

Among the casualties, three Indian nationals died in Saudi Arabia due to regional instability. The maritime deaths involved crew members serving on merchant vessels in high-risk zones, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. Specific incidents cited include attacks on the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MKD Vyom and the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight.

India has expressed deep concern regarding the deteriorating security situation and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline by Houthi militants. Diplomatic missions in the Gulf are actively monitoring the safety of the Indian diaspora and coordinating with local authorities to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens and workers.

Entities

Houthi · Houthi militants · India · Ministry of External Affairs · Randhir Jaiswal · Saudi Arabia · Strait of Hormuz

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was attacked near Oman's Musandam Peninsula on March 1. news.abplive.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MKD Vyom was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 1. news.abplive.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Houthi militants attacked Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline. www.newindianexpress.com · tezzbuzz.com · theshillongtimes.com
[● 12 SOURCES] 22 Indian nationals have been killed in the West Asia conflict over the last eight months. news.abplive.com · pragativadi.com · www.newindianexpress.com · desitalkchicago.com · tezzbuzz.com · +5 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The conflict began following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. www.newindianexpress.com · tezzbuzz.com · theshillongtimes.com
[● 12 SOURCES] 14 of the deceased Indian nationals were seafarers. news.abplive.com · pragativadi.com · www.newindianexpress.com · desitalkchicago.com · tezzbuzz.com · +5 more
[● 11 SOURCES] Three Indian nationals died in Saudi Arabia due to regional instability. www.newindianexpress.com · desitalkchicago.com · tezzbuzz.com · bilkulonline.com · munsifdaily.com · +5 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The West Asia conflict escalated in February 2026. pragativadi.com · www.newindianexpress.com · tezzbuzz.com · theshillongtimes.com