The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 22 Indian nationals have lost their lives in West Asia since regional hostilities escalated in February 2026. Among the casualties, 14 were seafarers serving aboard commercial and merchant vessels in high-risk maritime zones, including the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.
The figures underscore the rising human cost borne by Indian expatriates and maritime workers caught amid escalating regional strikes, missile disruptions, and targeted attacks on maritime shipping lanes.
Maritime Risks and Diaspora Welfare
India supplies one of the world’s largest seafaring workforces, with thousands of sailors stationed aboard foreign and Indian-flagged vessels transiting vital energy corridors in the Middle East. Commercial maritime routes have experienced severe disruptions following missile strikes and drone attacks, putting merchant crews at heightened risk.
In addition to maritime casualties, Indian nationals working in onshore infrastructure and residential sectors across the Gulf have also been affected by collateral damage from regional projectile impacts and strikes.
Government Response and Relief Measures
The Indian government has reiterated that the safety, security, and well-being of its nearly 10-million-strong diaspora in the region remain its highest priority.
Diplomatic missions across the Gulf continue to monitor developments, coordinate with local authorities for the repatriation of mortal remains, provide emergency assistance, and issue strict safety advisories for Indian crew members transiting high-risk shipping lanes. India has also repeatedly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the protection of civilian lives and commercial energy supply chains.
