New Delhi: Two Indian nationals have been killed and another missing in an attack on merchant ships carrying them amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. Several Indians have also suffered injuries in the Gulf region, the ministry said, adding that consular officials are coordinating medical aid and assistance.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia that the government is actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance to the affected citizens.

He said, “There are reports of some casualties. We have two Indian nationals that we have lost, and one is missing. These three Indian nationals are dead or missing. This happened while they were on merchant ships that came under attack. Some Indians who were injured in the GCC region are being treated. Our Consulate is in touch with them.”He also confirmed that the Indian national who was reported injured in Dubai today is undergoing treatment and consular staff are in close contact.“Today, this morning, you may have seen reports that an Indian national has been injured in Dubai. This gentleman, our Consulate is in touch with him. He is also undergoing treatment in the hospital, and we are in regular touch with him to ensure his well-being and well-being.”Amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in the conflict-affected area, the Ministry of External Affairs has activated a dedicated control room to resolve queries and provide assistance.“At the Ministry of External Affairs, we have initiated a control which is working. We have been receiving a lot of phone calls regarding Indian nationals and their welfare and we are guiding the callers,” the spokesperson said.There is a large expatriate population in the Indian Gulf and the Middle East, many of whom work on merchant ships or in areas of regional instability.The Ministry of External Affairs said it would continue to coordinate with Indian missions in the region to ensure the safety and return of affected citizens, if necessary.