New Delhi [India], March 17 (ANI): The mortal remains of two of the five Indian nationals who lost their lives amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia were brought back to India on Tuesday, while efforts continue to repatriate the remains of the other three, a government official said.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem Mahajan, said the safety and well-being of the Indian community remains the government’s highest priority.
“The mortal remains of the two Indian nationals who unfortunately lost their lives in the incident in Sohar city in Oman have been received by their families in Jaipur today. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” Mahajan said during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.
He added that the Indian Embassy remains in regular contact with hospital authorities and the concerned company to monitor the condition of injured Indian nationals, noting that none are reported to be seriously injured.
Providing an update on the incident involving the vessel Safesea Vishnu off the coast of Basra, Iraq, Mahajan said Indian mission teams are assisting in the early return of 15 crew members who were safely evacuated and are currently staying in a hotel in Basra.
“They are also coordinating with the concerned Iraqi authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national who unfortunately lost his life in the incident,” he said.
The oil tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked near Khor Al Zubair port off Basra on March 9 within Iraq’s territorial waters. Earlier, Mahajan had confirmed that one crew member died in the incident, while others were safely evacuated.
Mahajan further said that five Indian nationals have died and one remains missing in earlier incidents linked to the regional conflict.
“Our missions in Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are in regular contact with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the three other deceased Indian nationals after completion of required formalities,” he said.
He also provided updates on flight operations, noting that the ministry’s dedicated control room remains active to assist Indian nationals and their families.
Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on safety conditions. “Around 70 flights are expected to operate today from various airports in the UAE to destinations in India,” Mahajan said.
Flights are also operating from Saudi Arabia to multiple destinations in India, while Qatar Airways operated three flights to India on Monday and is expected to operate three more on Tuesday.
Mahajan reiterated that the Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, with the safety and well-being of Indian nationals remaining the top priority. (ANI)
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