Since the war in West Asia started earlier this year, 16 Indians have died because of it. The government gave details in response to a CPI(M) MP’s query. Know what they said.
The Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in the Parliament that 16 Indian Nationals have died in West Asia since the war between Iran and the United States and Israel escalated earlier this year. This includes 10 seafarers, the Minister informed in response to a question raised by the CPI(M) MP John Brittas.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared the details in the Rajya Sabha. The query from the CPI(M) Member of Parliament had asked the Ministry of External Affairs to provide data regarding who all have been killed, injured, stranded, or evacuated amid the ongoing hostilities.
According to Singh, the fatalities include one in Saudi Arabia, two in Kuwait, eight in Oman, one in Iraq, and four in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, 75 Indians have been injured: 32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, four in Qatar, 13 in Kuwait, one in Saudi Arabia, and one in Israel.
Government’s Response
He further noted that, in a separate incident unrelated to the conflict, 12 Indian nationals died in an accident at the Ras Laffan gas facility in Qatar. The MEA said the government has been working closely with host nations to extend all possible assistance to the families of the deceased.
This includes facilitating the early repatriation of mortal remains. Injured individuals have received treatment in local hospitals, with Indian missions coordinating closely with authorities to monitor their condition and provide support, including establishing contact with families and assisting with travel arrangements for their safe return to India.
Financial Support To Families
Singh added that in all war-zone-related cases, an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh is provided under the DGMA Welfare Scheme (Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society). The amount is disbursed to the next of kin following due verification.
Seafarers covered under Collective Bargaining Agreements are also entitled to additional compensation, Rs 12 lakh for officers through the Maritime Union of India, and Rs 10 lakh for crew through the National Union of Seafarers of India.
