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| 16 Indians killed in Middle East conflict since January | | | Mahim Gupta
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 30: At least 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East since January 2026, the Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Responding to an unstarred question by Rajya Sabha member Dr. John Brittas, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that 75 other Indian nationals were injured in conflict-related incidents across several countries in the region.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the fatalities were reported from Saudi Arabia (1), Kuwait (2), Oman (8), Iraq (1), and the United Arab Emirates (4). The injured included 32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, 13 in Kuwait, four in Qatar, one in Saudi Arabia, and one in Israel.
The Minister also informed the House that 12 additional Indian nationals died in a separate accident at the Ras Laffan Gas Facility in Qatar, clarifying that the incident was not related to the ongoing regional conflict.
The Government said it had extended all possible assistance to the families of the deceased in coordination with host governments, including the early repatriation of mortal remains to India. Indian missions in the affected countries also coordinated with local authorities and hospitals to facilitate medical treatment for the injured, maintain contact with their families, and assist in their safe return to India wherever required.
The Ministry stated that under the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) Welfare Scheme through the Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), the next of kin of seafarers killed in war-zone incidents are entitled to an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh. Seafarers covered under collective bargaining agreements are also eligible for additional compensation—Rs 12 lakh for officers through the Maritime Union of India and Rs 10 lakh for crew members through the National Union of Seafarers of Indi The next of kin of seafarers killed in war-zone incidents are entitled to an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh. Seafarers covered under collective bargaining agreements are also eligible for additional compensation—Rs 12 lakh for officers through the Maritime Union of India and Rs 10 lakh for crew members through the National Union of Seafarers of India.
The Government informed the House that compensation in five of the 16 conflict-related deaths has already been disbursed, while claims under vessel Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance are being pursued by the concerned recruitment and placement agencies in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
In the case of the 12 Indians who died in the Ras Laffan Gas Facility accident in Qatar, the Government said an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each has been sanctioned to their next of kin from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). However, it added that it does not have details of any compensation paid directly by the Government of Qatar to the affected families.
Highlighting the measures taken to protect Indian citizens during the crisis, the MEA said Indian Embassies and Consulates worked closely with local authorities and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate the return of stranded Indians through commercial and special flight operations. Where direct flights were unavailable, Indian nationals were assisted in obtaining transit visas to travel through neighbouring countries.
The Government also provided emergency assistance, including temporary food and shelter, relocation support, cross-border movement facilitation, issuance of travel documents, and guidance on visa-related issues.
The Ministry said it continues to operate a multi-layered crisis management mechanism that includes travel advisories, 24x7 emergency control rooms, dedicated helplines, and evacuation operations whenever necessary.
It further informed Parliament that the Rapid Response Cell (RRC) of the Ministry of External Affairs coordinates with various government agencies, the armed forces and other ministries during overseas emergencies. The Ministry is also in the final stages of testing a digital emergency response platform designed to improve coordination during evacuation operations involving Indian nationals abroad. |
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