The government on Tuesday said the escalating conflict in West Asia was a matter of “great anxiety” for India and confirmed that some Indian nationals have been killed, while others remain missing amid attacks linked to the hostilities.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said India, as a close neighbour with deep economic and strategic interests in the Gulf region, was closely monitoring developments.
“As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety,” the ministry said, reiterating its earlier appeal for restraint, de-escalation and protection of civilians.
The ministry underlined that nearly one crore Indians live and work across the Gulf and that their safety and welfare remain the government’s “utmost priority”. Indian missions in the region are in contact with community groups, issuing advisories and extending assistance where required.
The government also flagged concerns over disruptions to trade routes and energy supply chains, strongly opposing any attacks on merchant shipping in the region.
On Monday, the Directorate General of Shipping confirmed that three Indian seafarers had been killed and one injured while serving on board foreign-flagged vessels caught in the conflict. It clarified that no Indian-flagged ship has reported casualties, detention or boarding by hostile forces so far.
One Indian mariner was killed after a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker was struck in the Gulf of Oman. In a separate incident off the Omani coast, a Palau-flagged tanker was attacked, injuring four crew members. Of the 20 crew on board, 15 were Indians. All affected personnel were later evacuated, according to Omani authorities.
The conflict began on Saturday after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security. Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons and maintains that its programme is for civilian purposes.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli positions, U.S. military assets in the region and commercial vessels. Tehran has also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz — a vital shipping corridor linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea — has been closed to traffic, raising fears of further disruption to global oil supplies.
India said it continues to press for dialogue and diplomacy to secure an early end to the conflict, while prioritising the safety of its nationals in the region.