Shipping Authority Says 3 Indian Seafarers Killed In Middle East
On Tuesday, American and Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Iran since killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday. Tehran and its allies have hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world's production of oil and natural gas
New Delhi: Three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were confirmed dead, while another was injured in the Middle East region conflict, following which India on Tuesday said it was “firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping”. This came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the rulers of Oman and Qatar and the crown prince of Kuwait in a gesture of solidarity and condemned the Iranian attack on these three Arab Gulf nations without naming Iran. Modi had earlier spoken to the leaders of the other Arab Gulf nations to convey India’s solidarity.
Calling for dialogue and diplomacy in a “clear voice” to bring an end to the conflict in West Asia, the ministry of external affairs, in a statement, said, “India strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy… Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries remain in close touch with Indian nationals and community organisations, issuing regular advisories as appropriate. We are in touch with the governments of this region as well as other key partners. The Prime Minister and external affairs minister have held discussions with their counterparts.”
The foreign ministry pointed out that “there are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf region and that their safety and well-being is of utmost priority”. It added that it will “continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and take relevant decisions in the national interest".
Referring to the conversation between the Prime Minister and the Emir of Qatar, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that Modi conveyed that "India stands firmly in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemns any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity".
After the talks, Modi posted on X, “… We emphasised the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. I also conveyed my appreciation for his continued support and care for the Indian community in Qatar during this challenging time”@TamimBinHamad.”
During the telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Modi, according to the PMO, conveyed that India condemns the violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stands with the people of Kuwait in this difficult hour.
The Prime Minister posted on X, “…We underscored the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in restoring regional peace and stability. Appreciated the Kuwaiti leadership’s continued support to ensure safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait.”
The PMO said that Modi condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during his conversation with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia.
“… Condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential for earliest restoration of regional peace and stability. Deeply appreciated Oman’s continued support to the Indian community.@SultanHaithamb1" Mr Modi posted on X.
Amid the escalating military conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran that threatens disruptions of major trade routes, the Directorate General of Shipping was quoted by news agency reports as stating, “There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels.”
