TNI Bureau: The Indian National Congress has strongly condemned the killing of Indian sailors in West Asia, expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families and urging the Government of India to take immediate steps to protect Indian citizens and prevent further loss of lives in the region.

In a statement issued by the Congress party’s Foreign Affairs Department, the party said it stands firmly with the families of the sailors who lost their lives and described the attacks on Indian seafarers in international waters as a serious violation of international law.

The Congress stated that such attacks not only endanger innocent sailors from countries not involved in the conflict but also threaten the safety of global maritime trade routes. The party emphasized that democratic nations committed to a rules-based international order should uphold established international norms and conventions.

The party said the Government of India has a primary responsibility to safeguard Indian citizens and national interests wherever they are. It called on the Centre to unequivocally condemn the killing of Indian nationals and take urgent measures to ensure that no more Indian lives are lost amid the escalating conflict in the region.

Congress further alleged that the government’s continued diplomatic inaction following attacks on the vessel IRIS Dena in India’s strategic neighbourhood has encouraged external powers to act against Indian interests without fear of consequences. It said that what began as attacks on shipping has now resulted in the loss of Indian lives.

Highlighting the need to protect India’s strategic autonomy and long-term interests, the Congress urged the government to brief Parliament on the evolving situation and present a comprehensive strategy to deal with the increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. The party also stressed the importance of national consensus, saying the Opposition’s experience and institutional knowledge should be taken into confidence in the national interest.