Deaths of Indians Abroad Rise Amid Modi Government’s Flawed Foreign Policy

News Desk: The Modi government is facing intense criticism at home and abroad over the continued deaths and lack of protection of Indian citizens living and working overseas. The killing of Indian sailors in international maritime disputes and war zones has raised serious questions about the BJP government’s claims regarding security and foreign policy.

Cruise Missile Attack on Ship Near Odesa Port Kills Four Indians

According to a Reuters report, a commercial vessel departing from Ukraine’s southern port of Odesa came under a deadly attack.

Nature of the attack: A Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial vessel was reportedly targeted with Russian cruise missiles.

Casualties: Four Indian crew members were killed, while another was seriously injured.

International context: Questions are being raised over the conduct of shipping companies and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for allegedly allowing Indian citizens to work on dangerous, war-affected maritime routes without adequate protection.

Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz Remain Dangerous for Indian Sailors

This was not an isolated incident, as Indian citizens have also continued to suffer casualties in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Other Major Recent Incidents

Gulf of Oman oil tanker attack: Last month, an oil tanker was targeted in the Gulf of Oman, killing three Indian sailors.

Incidents in the Strait of Hormuz: Since tensions intensified between the United States and Iran, several Indian citizens have reportedly been killed or injured in attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reaction From Defence and Foreign-Affairs Experts

According to defence and international-affairs analysts, the BJP government’s extremist and ineffective policies have left Indian citizens working in high-risk regions around the world isolated and vulnerable.

“The Modi government’s priorities are limited to political slogans, while India’s Ministry of External Affairs has completely failed to protect its citizens and provide them with diplomatic assistance abroad. These repeated deaths are clear evidence of Modi’s failed security policy,” a political and defence analyst said.