New Delhi: Twenty-two Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday, as India raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation and continued to monitor the safety of its citizens across the region.
Addressing the ministry’s bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the casualties and said Indian diplomatic missions remained in contact with citizens and community members in affected areas.
Jaiswal also confirmed that three Indian nationals had died in incidents in Saudi Arabia linked to the broader regional tensions.
The ministry said Indian diplomatic posts across West Asia were closely monitoring developments to support the safety and welfare of Indian workers, seafarers and other nationals in potentially vulnerable areas.
India Issues Updated Travel Guidance for Umrah Pilgrims
Separately, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has issued an updated travel advisory detailing additional flight options for Indian nationals affected by recent disruptions, particularly Umrah pilgrims.
The consulate said it was coordinating with Saudi aviation authorities, airlines and community organisations to facilitate travel from Saudi Arabia to India and improve connectivity to several destinations.
According to the advisory, Saudi carriers continue to operate services from Jeddah and Madinah to India. Other international airlines are also offering one-stop connections through their respective hubs.
Private Saudi airline Flynas has announced additional flights from Dammam to Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Kochi. From Riyadh, the airline has announced services to Delhi, Hyderabad and Kozhikode on select dates.
The Indian Embassy and Consulate have urged tour operators handling pilgrimage groups to explore the expanded flight options and coordinate return journeys for affected travellers.
The missions said they remained in contact with airlines and community organisations to assist Indian nationals facing travel disruptions.
Travellers Advised to Confirm Bookings Before Leaving
The Jeddah consulate has advised passengers to verify their flight schedules, bookings and travel arrangements directly with the relevant airlines before proceeding to airports.
Travellers have also been cautioned against going to departure airports without confirmed rebookings, amid continuing disruptions.
The consulate said its 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah remained operational for Indian nationals requiring assistance.
Reports Claim Saudi Arabia Exploring Houthi Ceasefire Deal
Meanwhile, Israeli media reports, citing diplomatic sources in the Gulf, have claimed that Saudi Arabia offered USD 1 billion to Yemen’s Houthi group as part of a proposed arrangement to secure a ceasefire and halt attacks on the kingdom.
According to these reports, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman travelled to Tehran for discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire with the Houthis. The reported proposal allegedly involves transferring the money to the group through Iran.
The claims have not been independently established in the information provided. They come amid wider regional tensions involving Iran and the Houthis, adding to uncertainty over security and maritime activity across West Asia.
India continues to monitor the situation, with the safety of its nationals and the facilitation of travel for affected citizens remaining key concerns.
