The Centre on Friday informed Parliament that 16 Indian nationals have lost their lives in West Asia since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel intensified earlier this year. Of those, 10 were seafarers, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha.
The minister shared the details while responding to a question from CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, who had sought information on the number of Indians killed, injured, stranded or evacuated amid the ongoing hostilities in the region.
Singh outlined the government's response to the crisis, including assistance extended to affected Indian nationals and their families through Indian diplomatic missions in the region.
MEA Details Assistance to Affected Indian Nationals
The minister also informed the House that, in a separate incident unrelated to the conflict, 12 Indian nationals were killed in an accident at the Ras Laffan gas facility in Qatar.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the government has been working closely with host countries to provide all possible assistance to the families of those who died. This includes facilitating the early repatriation of mortal remains to India.
The minister added that Indian missions have coordinated with local authorities to ensure injured nationals receive treatment in local hospitals. Missions have also remained in contact with their families and helped make travel arrangements for their safe return to India where required.
Government Announces Financial Assistance
Singh said the next of kin of seafarers who died in conflict-related incidents are entitled to an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh under the DGMA Welfare Scheme (Seafarers' Welfare Fund Society), subject to due verification.
He added that seafarers covered under Collective Bargaining Agreements are eligible for additional compensation. Officers are entitled to Rs 12 lakh through the Maritime Union of India, while crew members are eligible for Rs 10 lakh through the National Union of Seafarers of India.
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