The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed a grim tally: 28 Indian nationals have died in the escalating conflicts spanning West Asia and the Black Sea. During the bi-weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal broke down the losses, stating that 23 Indians perished in West Asia, a figure that includes 15 seafarers. In the Black Sea region, five Indian nationals were killed in attacks on commercial shipping, while two others remain unaccounted for. The numbers are stark and final.
The situation on the water is deteriorating. Just hours before the briefing, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal verified the death of Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a seafarer from Gujarat. Ajij was one of 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged MSV AL JUSUFI, which came under attack off the coast of Oman. Omani authorities intervened swiftly, rescuing the remaining 13 crew members. Now, the focus shifts to getting them home. Jaiswal assured that the mortal remains of Ajij and the repatriation of the survivors are being processed with urgency.
Diplomatic friction is mounting alongside the human toll. India is pushing hard for "dialogue and diplomacy" to restore freedom of navigation in international waters. Jaiswal explicitly called on warring parties to de-escalate tensions immediately, emphasizing that safety in the Persian Gulf and wider West Asian region is non-negotiable. The government is not just mourning; it is demanding a return to peace as a precondition for safe maritime trade. The next step is the physical return of the 13 rescued crew and the body of Ajij to Indian soil.