Middle East crisis: MEA says attack on merchant ship killed 2 Indians and 1 missing

New Delhi: Two Indian nationals were killed and another missing after a merchant ship carrying two Indian nationals was attacked during ongoing clashes in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. Several Indians were also injured in the Gulf and consular officials were coordinating medical assistance and support, the ministry added.Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has been actively monitoring the situation and assisting affected nationals.“There are reports of some casualties. We have two Indian nationals missing and one missing. The three Indian nationals are dead or missing. The incident occurred while they were aboard a merchant ship that came under attack. Some Indians who were injured in the GCC area are undergoing treatment. Our consulate is in touch with them,” he said.He also confirmed that the Indian national injured in Dubai earlier today was receiving treatment and consular staff were in close contact.“This morning, you will see reports of Indian nationals being injured in Dubai. This gentleman, our consulate is in contact with him. He is also receiving treatment in the hospital and we are in regular contact with him to ensure his welfare and well-being,” Jaiswal added.Amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian citizens in conflict-affected areas, the MEA has launched a dedicated control room to handle queries and provide assistance.“In the Middle East and Africa region, we have activated a control measure that is working. We have received a number of calls regarding Indian nationals and their welfare and we have been providing guidance to those who have called,” the spokesperson said.India has a large expatriate population in the Gulf and Middle East, many of whom work on merchant ships or in sectors affected by regional instability.The MEA said it will continue to coordinate with Indian missions in the region to ensure the safety and, if necessary, repatriation of affected citizens.