16 Indians killed, 75 Injured Amid Escalating West Asia Hostilities : Centre
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Sixteen Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have died in West Asia since hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel escalated earlier this year, the Centre informed Parliament. Another 75 Indians have been injured across the region, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha.
The figures were shared in response to a question raised by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who sought details from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Indians killed, injured, stranded or evacuated amid the ongoing conflict.
Where the 16 Indian deaths were reported
According to Singh, eight Indian nationals died in Oman, four in the United Arab Emirates, two in Kuwait, and one each in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The government also reported that 75 Indians were injured during the hostilities. Of these, 32 were injured in the UAE, 24 in Oman, 13 in Kuwait, four in Qatar, and one each in Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Among the 16 Indians who lost their lives were 10 seafarers, the minister said.
12 Indians died in separate Qatar accident
Singh also told the Rajya Sabha that 12 Indian nationals died in a separate accident at the Ras Laffan gas facility in Qatar. The incident was unrelated to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The MEA said the government has been coordinating with authorities in the respective countries to provide assistance to the families of those who died, including facilitating the early repatriation of mortal remains.
Indian missions have also remained in contact with local authorities over the treatment of injured nationals. Assistance has included establishing contact with their families and helping with travel arrangements for their safe return to India.
Compensation for families of seafarers
Singh said an ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh is provided in war-zone-related cases under the DGMA Welfare Scheme of the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society. The compensation is released to the next of kin after due verification.
Seafarers covered under Collective Bargaining Agreements are eligible for additional compensation. Officers are entitled to ₹12 lakh through the Maritime Union of India, while crew members are entitled to ₹10 lakh through the National Union of Seafarers of India.
2,557 Indians evacuated from Iran
Responding to a separate question, Singh said the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the evacuation of 2,557 Indian nationals since the hostilities began in February 2026.
The evacuees were moved through Armenia and Azerbaijan before travelling onwards to India.
The government estimates that around 7,000 Indian nationals remain in Iran, including students, workers, seafarers and fishermen.
