The Daily PulseGeneral
22 Indians killed in West Asia war, 14 were seafarers, says MEA
Reported by Shreya Kapoor (Senior Writer) · Indian Express - India ·
Reported by one source so far
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsWhat Happened
22 Indian nationals have died in the West Asia war since the conflict began in February, including 14 seafarers, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday. Three Indians were killed in Saudi Arabia after recent strikes on civilian targets, including a missile hit on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam that killed one Indian and injured two others, and another strike on the Shaybah oil field that wounded an Indian. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said an Indian national was among two people killed and two of the eight injured in the Dammam airport attack.
Reaction
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is closely monitoring the safety of Indians in the Gulf and remains in touch with the community. Delhi condemned the attacks on October 8 and 11 and has issued at least five security advisories in the past eight months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March and August to raise concerns about the evolving conflict.
Context
The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia numbers about 2.74 million, covering skilled and semi‑skilled jobs. Houthis from Yemen have stepped up attacks on Saudi airports and energy facilities, raising risks for foreign workers in the region.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
Since the war between the US‑backed Israel and Iran started in February, at least 22 Indian citizens have been killed, 14 of them seafarers, and three more have died in recent Saudi attacks on civilian sites.
Why It Matters
The deaths highlight the growing danger to Indian workers in the Gulf as Houthi militants expand their strike campaign from Yemen against Saudi airports and oil fields. India’s large expatriate community in Saudi Arabia faces heightened security risks, prompting diplomatic outreach and advisories to protect its citizens.
What Happens Next
India is likely to continue issuing safety advisories, maintain close contact with its diaspora, and seek further coordination with Saudi authorities. Monitoring the Houthi threat and any escalation in the broader West Asia conflict will shape the next steps of Indian diplomatic and consular actions.
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