West Asia conflict: Indian death toll in Gulf rises to six after Riyadh attack

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 21, 2026: With another Indian killed in an Iranian attack on Riyadh this week, the total number of Indian fatalities in Gulf countries has risen to six since the West Asia conflict began three weeks ago.

“We received information about the tragic death of an Indian national during an attack in Riyadh on March 18,” said Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He did not provide further details on the circumstances of the death.

Mahajan added that six Indian nationals have lost their lives and one remains missing across various Gulf countries since the conflict began.

“Our mission in Riyadh is in touch with the family and is coordinating closely with local authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains,” he said.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also confirmed on Friday that an Indian national was killed in Saudi Arabia due to the “recent events of March 18.”

Earlier, the embassy had issued alerts to residents in Riyadh and other regions, advising the Indian community to remain calm and vigilant.

“Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are in regular contact with authorities regarding the missing Indian national and to ensure the early return of the mortal remains of those deceased,” Mahajan added.

The West Asia conflict began on February 28 following military strikes on Iran by the US-Israel combine. In retaliation, Iran has targeted Gulf countries hosting US military bases. Since then, around three lakh passengers have returned from the region.