India says 22 nationals killed in West Asia conflict since February, 14 were seafarers

The MEA said the government was in touch with Indians in the region to ensure their safety amid the ongoing conflict. India has lost 22 of its nationals, including 14 seafarers, in the ongoing war in West Asia in the last eight months, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday. The US and Israel bombed Iran on February 28 and assassinated their Supreme Leader and other top officials. Tehran retaliated by targeting US bases across the Gulf and restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.India says 22 nationals killed in West Asia conflict since February, 14 were seafarers (@MEAIndia)“We are deeply concerned with the ongoing conflict in West Asia. So far, we have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, which includes 14 seafarers,” Jaiswal said. He added that the government was in close contact with the Indian community in the region to ensure their safety and well-being amid the continuing hostilities. “On our part, we have been in close touch with the community there so that we can do our best for the safety and well-being,” he said.India to further strengthen ties with Israel: MEAIndia will work to further strengthen its ties with Israel, Jaiswal said, amid uncertainty over the Israeli election results. “India has good and strong relations with Israel, and we will work to further improve and strengthen these ties in the coming days. As for the election results, let us wait and see what conclusions emerge,” Jaiswal said during the press briefing.Jaiswal reiterated India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Israel. The election results are being closely watched for their potential implications for Israel's political leadership and its foreign relations. India and Israel maintain cooperation across several areas, including defence, trade, agriculture and technology.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More