8 Indians Dead, 1 Missing Amid Escalating Tensions In West Asia; India Steps Up Evacuation Efforts

As many as eight Indians have lost their lives and one remains missing in “various incidents” in West Asia amid the conflict, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday.

“Yesterday, an Indian national unfortunately lost his life in an attack in Kuwait,” said Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R Mahajan during an inter-ministerial briefing in Delhi.

“We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Mission in Kuwait is in touch with the family of the deceased and is coordinating closely with the local authorities to render all support for the early return of his mortal remains to India,” he added.

Earlier, on March 20, the MEA had reported six deaths and one missing person. The latest figures indicate a worsening situation

for Indian nationals caught in the conflict zone. Separately, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that another Indian citizen was killed in Riyadh due to the “recent events of March 18”.

Despite the challenges, evacuation and travel arrangements are ongoing. Since February 28, nearly 5.5 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region. Authorities are continuing efforts to assist those still stranded.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s position, urging calm and diplomatic engagement. “We continue to call for restraint and de-escalation, and at the same time emphasise on dialogue and diplomacy, as a means to an early end to the conflict,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Mohammed bin Salman on March 28. The two leaders discussed the ongoing crisis and agreed on the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation. India also reiterated its strong opposition to attacks on energy infrastructure in the region.

The MEA said the safety of Indians abroad remains its top priority. A dedicated control room is operating round the clock, while Indian missions are issuing regular advisories and staying in touch with community groups and companies.

Efforts are also being made to address academic disruptions for students, including those under CBSE, ICSE, and Kerala boards, as well as candidates preparing for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Special attention is also being given to Indian seafarers working in the region.

Flight services remain limited due to airspace restrictions. While operations continue from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain is still closed. Alternative evacuation routes through countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Jordan are being used to bring Indians home safely.