India loses 15 seafarers in West Asia conflict, 23 nationals killed: MEA

NEW DELHI, India: India has lost 23 nationals, including 15 seafarers, in the West Asia conflict since February 28, the MEA said, as a recent attack on an Indian vessel off Oman killed a sailor from Gujarat.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the latest casualty figures during a media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday. He also said five Indian nationals had been killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, while two others remained missing.

“We have lost 23 Indian nationals in the conflict in West Asia, out of which 15 were Indian seafarers,” Jaiswal said.

The figures increased from the previous count of 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, after the death of Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who was among the 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI.

Responding to a separate question about casualties in the Black Sea region, Jaiswal confirmed that five Indians had died in attacks on commercial shipping, while two remained unaccounted for.

“There was also a question earlier about how many Indian nationals have been lost in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. There, we have lost five Indian nationals, and two continue to be missing,” he said.

The latest death occurred on November 2, when MSV AL JUSUFI was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. The vessel was carrying 14 Indian seafarers. Thirteen crew members were evacuated and rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, while Ajij later died from his injuries.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the death on Tuesday and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

“On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries,” Sonowal said to NNP.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief,” he added.

The minister said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Indian Embassy in Oman were coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to the 13 survivors and facilitate the return of both the rescued crew members and Ajij’s mortal remains to India.

Ajij, a 21-year-old from Gujarat’s Porbandar, was aboard the vessel when it was hit. According to a relative of the vessel’s owner, the ship’s crew alerted him after the incident, prompting him to contact people in Oman and inform the authorities. The Omani Coast Guard subsequently reached the vessel and rescued the crew. Ajij was conscious after the rescue but died while being taken for medical assistance.

The incident has added to concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in waters affected by the wider West Asia conflict. Commercial vessels and civilian maritime infrastructure have faced growing risks as regional hostilities continue, raising concerns over the security of international shipping routes.

Jaiswal said India was working to ensure the safe return of the 13 rescued crew members and the transportation of Ajij’s mortal remains.

“On that ship, we had 14 Indian crew members. Of them, tragically, unfortunately, one of them has died. We are now in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals who are there are repatriated back to India. We also are working when we can have the mortal remains of the Indian national to be transported back to India. I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action,” he said.

The spokesperson also reiterated India’s call for an immediate reduction in hostilities and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. He stressed that freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways must be protected.

“We once again call upon parties to take dialogue and diplomacy forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways must be restored and must be guaranteed,” Jaiswal said.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had also condemned the attack on MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah, Oman, and expressed condolences over the death. It said the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the survivors and the deceased sailor’s remains.

The ministry described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region as deeply concerning and called for an end to the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure. It urged all parties to pursue ongoing negotiations and work towards a diplomatic solution that would restore peace and stability.

India has repeatedly raised concerns over the impact of the conflict on civilian shipping and the safety of its nationals working in the maritime sector. The latest casualty figures underline the toll on Indian seafarers, many of whom work aboard commercial vessels operating through conflict-affected international waters.

The government has not publicly identified the source of the object that struck MSV AL JUSUFI. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear.