Since February, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have died amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs informed Parliament. The casualties highlight the toll on Indian citizens caught in the escalating US-Iran war, which has intensified over recent months, affecting maritime and civilian lives in the region, according to livemint.com.
The Ministry of External Affairs provided details in response to parliamentary questions about Indian nationals affected by the conflict. The deaths include seafarers working on vessels in the region, reflecting the dangers faced by Indian maritime workers amid rising hostilities. The government has also been tracking injuries, evacuations, and stranded Indians as the conflict continues to disrupt normal operations in the Middle East, per livemint.com.
The conflict between the US and Iran has expanded to involve other regional players, with recent attacks such as the drone strike on Egypt’s Damietta port raising concerns about broader escalation. Saudi Arabia has announced a maritime defence alliance amid these tensions. The deaths of Indian nationals underscore the risks to foreign workers and highlight the conflict’s impact on international maritime routes and regional security, as reported by livemint.com.
The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating evacuations and support for nationals in the region. The latest official update on casualties and evacuations was provided in Parliament on July 31, 2026, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by the Middle East conflict for Indian citizens abroad, according to livemint.com.