Six Indians dead in West Asia: MEA
The conflict in West Asia has claimed six Indian lives with another currently missing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed the casualties. In the latest incident, an Indian national was killed in Riyadh on March 18. The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia expressed “deepest condolences” and said it is working closely with the family and local authorities to ensure support and repatriation.
“Six Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one remains missing in various incidents. Our missions are in constant touch with local authorities,” Aseem R Mahajan, MEA Additional Secretary (Gulf) said while addressing a briefing. He added Indian missions are engaged round-the-clock with authorities in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to trace the missing individual and expedite the return of mortal remains.
Officials described the situation as “fluid and concerning,” with scattered incidents being reported across multiple countries.Since late February, nearly three lakh Indians have managed to return home. On Friday alone, around 90 flights were scheduled from the UAE.
Flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia continue under tight safety protocols, while partial reopening of airspace in Qatar has allowed limited operations, including special services by Qatar Airways.
However, the situation remains complex, with airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain still shut, complicating evacuation efforts.
To overcome these hurdles, authorities have devised alternative routes. Special flights are being arranged from Saudi airports, including services by Kuwait Airways and Gulf Air, to ferry stranded Indians back home.
