Indian casualties in US-Iran war rise to six as another national dies in Riyadh; one missing

An Indian national, who was injured in the Iranian strikes in Riyadh on March 18, has died, the government confirmed on Friday. His death takes the number of Indian fatalities in the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war to six.

The Indian embassy in Riyadh confirmed the killing of the sixth Indian national. In a social media post on X, the Embassy expressed its deepest condolences and said that officials were in touch with his family members.

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“The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national in Riyadh due to recent events on March 18th. The Embassy is in touch with the family and local authorities. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter.” the Embassy said.

In a separate Inter-Ministerial press briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Aseem R Mahajan, also confirmed six Indian casualties in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. One person was also reported missing with efforts underway to locate him.

Mahajan said that Indian missions in affected Gulf countries are working closely with authorities to facilitate the return of the deceased to India.

“Six Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one is missing in various incidents. Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals to India,” he said.

Travel situation gradually improving as around 3 lakh nationals return to India

The MEA official further noted that the travel situation from the Gulf region is gradually improving, with around three lakh passengers having already returned to India.

“Situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region. Since February 28, around 300,000 passengers have returned from the region to India,” he said.

According to the MEA, airlines from the United Arab Emirates are continuing to operate limited non-scheduled flights depending on operational and safety considerations.

“From the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations. Today, again, around 90 flights are expected to operate from various airports in the UAE to India,” he added.

Flights are also continuing from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India, while the partial reopening of airspace in Qatar has allowed some commercial movement.

“With the Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India today,” Mahajan said.

He said, “Kuwait airspace remains closed. Airways of Kuwait is expected to commence special non-scheduled commercial flights to various destinations in India from the Al Qaisumah-Hafar Al Batin Airport in Saudi Arabia, with the first flight today to Kochi.”