Ministry of External Affairs statement on deaths of Indian citizens during conflicts in West Asia and Black Sea

According to an Amar Ujala report, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that a total of 28 Indian citizens have lost their lives during the ongoing period of conflict in the West Asia and Black Sea regions, while two individuals remain missing in these incidents. The Ministry has also put forward important information regarding an attack on a vessel near the coast of Oman, a helicopter accident in Nepal, and Indians stranded in Russia.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in a press conference that 23 Indian citizens have died amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which includes 15 Indian sailors. Additionally, five Indian citizens have lost their lives in attacks targeting commercial vessels within the Black Sea region, and the whereabouts of two Indian citizens are yet to be found.

A commercial vessel was targeted in an attack near the coast of Oman. Speaking on this matter, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a total of 14 members of the Indian crew were present on that vessel. Unfortunately, one member has passed away. Currently, the Ministry is ensuring the process to bring the remaining 13 Indian citizens present there back to India safely. Along with this, intensive work is underway regarding how the mortal remains of the Indian citizen who died in Oman can be brought back to India.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further stated that the prompt action taken by the Oman authorities is not to be undervalued. He reiterated that all parties must adopt a peaceful path and it is imperative to further encourage dialogue and diplomacy so that peace is restored quickly in this region. The freedom to move vessels through international waters and sea routes should be maintained without any hindrance and a full guarantee of the same must be provided.

In response to a question regarding the return of Indian citizens present in Russia, Jaiswal stated that the External Affairs Minister held bilateral meetings with representatives of other countries during the G-20 summit. Discussions were also held with the Russian Foreign Minister during these meetings. During this meeting, detailed deliberations were held regarding the prevailing conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia. As far as the question of the release of Indian citizens who are still under Russian control is concerned, it was clarified earlier that this subject is being continuously raised with the Russian side at various levels.

Speaking on the helicopter accident in Nepal, Randhir Jaiswal said that reports and some images have emerged of two helicopters colliding with each other in Nepal. One Indian citizen has died in this serious accident. The official confirmation of this accident has been provided by the Indian Embassy, and condolences have been expressed regarding this incident. All efforts are being undertaken by the Ministry to bring the mortal remains back to India as soon as possible.

On the question related to students going to Uzbekistan for studies, the spokesperson stated that the government has previously issued some warnings and advisories. An advisory has also been issued in this regard by the Indian Embassy located in Tashkent. Besides this, certain specific guidelines have also been issued by the National Medical Commission. These guidelines apply not only to Uzbekistan but also to students wishing to study in many other locations.

He further clarified that the government's main focus is to ensure that Indian students going to Uzbekistan for education receive high-quality medical education. In addition, it is equally essential to take precautions to ensure that Indian students going to Uzbekistan for medical or any other studies are not exploited in any manner.