Indian seafarer Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat killed after a vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object near Oman, taking the number of Indians killed in the West Asia conflict to 23

NEW DELHI: An Indian seafarer died in an attack on a commercial vessel near Oman, taking the toll of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia conflict to 23. Of these 23 Indians, 15 were seafarers.India condemned the attack on MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah in Oman. On Tuesday, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal on X said on Nov 2 (Monday), the Indian vessel carrying 14 Indian seafarers was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the Oman coast. “While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to injuries,” he said.

In a statement, MEA said the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and reiterated India’s call for immediate deescalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it said.

Responding to a question on Russia-Ukraine conflict, also said that five Indians had been killed so far in attacks in the Black Sea region. Officials said that so far, 4,330 Indian sailors have been brought back safely from the conflict-hit Persian Gulf. They added that currently there are eight Indian-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf and six of them are operating in that region.“Two foreign-flagged ships carrying fertilisers are waiting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz,” said an official.