West Asia Conflict: 16 Indians Dead, 2,557 Evacuated From Iran; Centre Outlines Relief
The government announced financial assistance of ten lakh rupees under the DGMA welfare scheme for affected seafarers.
Sixteen Indian nationals, including ten seafarers, have lost their lives in West Asia since conflict erupted in early 2026. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared these verified figures in a written reply to Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on Thursday.
The fatalities were recorded across multiple nations, with eight deaths in Oman, four in the United Arab Emirates, two in Kuwait, and one each in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Additionally, 75 Indian citizens sustained injuries in various incidents, with the highest concentration of casualties reported from the UAE and Oman.
Beyond direct conflict zones, twelve Indian workers died in a separate industrial accident at Qatar's Ras Laffan gas plant. In response, Indian diplomatic missions coordinated with local authorities to repatriate bodies and ensure medical care for the injured while maintaining continuous contact with affected families.
The government announced financial assistance of ten lakh rupees under the DGMA welfare scheme for affected seafarers. Supplementary compensation ranging between ten and twelve lakh rupees will also be provided through collective union agreements for maritime officers and crew members navigating dangerous waters.
Diplomatic efforts enabled the evacuation of 2,557 Indian citizens from Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan. Indian authorities have advised travelers to defer non-essential visits to Iran while working to address the academic disruption faced by Indian medical students studying in the region.