New Delhi: India has raised its count of nationals killed in the West Asia conflict to 23, after an attack on a merchant vessel near Oman claimed the life of one more Indian sailor. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also disclosed that five Indians have died and two remain unaccounted for in separate attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, IANS reported.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the victim was among 14 Indian crew members aboard MSV AL JUSUFI, which came under attack near Limah on Monday evening. Omani rescue teams saved the remaining 13 Indians.

“In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals who we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers and today we have lost one more, yesterday that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of which 15 of them are Indian seafarers,” Jaiswal said.

New Delhi said its embassy in Oman is working with local officials to bring the rescued sailors home and to arrange the return of the dead crew member’s remains.

“Yesterday we had an attack on an Indian ship. We have issued a statement; you would have seen the details. On that ship we had 14 Indian crew members. Of them, tragically, unfortunately, one of them has died. We are now in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals who are there, they are repatriated back to India. We also are working to see how best and when we can also have the mortal remains of the Indian national who has died, those remains to be transported back to India,” he added.

Appeal For Maritime Safety

Jaiswal praised Oman’s emergency response and pressed all sides to pursue negotiations rather than escalation.

“I must say that we thank the Omani authorities for their swift action in which they were able to rescue 13 Indian nationals when the ship came under attack. We once again call upon parties that dialogue and diplomacy must be taken forward so that there can be an early return of peace to the region, and that freedom of navigation through international waterways must be restored and must be guaranteed,” he said.

On the Black Sea, he confirmed: “There we have five Indian nationals who have been lost, and two continue to be missing.”

The ministry condemned the Oman attack, offered condolences to the sailor’s family, and urged an end to strikes on civilian shipping and infrastructure, calling for the “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways” to be restored under international law.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA said.