- 13 Indians dead, 3 missing in Gulf conflict.
- US-Iran tensions escalate, impacting maritime shipping.
- India calls for safe transit through Strait of Hormuz.
The escalating conflict in West Asia has taken a heavy toll on commercial shipping and maritime workers, with 13 Indians reported dead and three others missing in the Gulf region since February 28, according to government sources cited by ANI.
The deaths have been reported since US President Donald Trump, along with Israel, launched military action against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. Tehran's retaliation further escalated the conflict into a major regional crisis.
The fighting has also significantly disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. Iran's reported closure of the strategic waterway and attacks on commercial vessels have raised concerns over global trade and the safety of maritime workers.
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India Calls for Safe Transit
Reacting to the developments, India on Tuesday said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and called for the safe and unhindered movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
During a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks on two commercial vessels, one of which resulted in the death of an Indian maritime worker.
"We are closely monitoring developments in West Asia. We call for the continued safe and unhindered movement of trade through the Strait of Hormuz. This is vital for ensuring the economic and energy security of people around the world," Jaiswal said.
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He added that the two ships carried a total of 30 Indian maritime personnel. One vessel had 12 crew members, including one Indian seafarer who was killed, while the other had 18 Indian crew members, of whom nine were seriously injured, and two remain in critical condition.
Jaiswal further said there have been several other incidents in which Indian citizens have lost their lives, adding that the government would share verified figures after completing its assessment.
The MEA also said attacks on commercial vessels and public infrastructure must cease so that free and unhindered movement and trade through international waterways can resume as soon as possible in accordance with international law.
The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of sanctions on Iran and said ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would have to pay a 20 per cent security duty.
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