The Indian government has issued its first official response after a tragic explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City claimed the lives of 12 Indian nationals. The accident took place at the Barzan gas facility, a key part of Qatar’s energy infrastructure, during the restart of operations, following a long shutdown.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar expressed grief over the incident on Tuesday. In a statement, he said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries, including of Indian nationals, in the explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City." He added that the Indian Embassy in Qatar remains in contact with Qatari authorities and is reaching out to provide assistance to the families of the affected Indian citizens.

The explosion occurred on Sunday at Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex. The facility was in the process of restarting operations after remaining shut for several months. The shutdown had followed an Iranian missile attack earlier this year, which had disrupted activities at several energy facilities in the region.

According to Qatari officials, the blast took place during the restart process at the Barzan facility. The incident has further complicated efforts to restore normal operations at one of the country’s major gas production sites. The facility plays an important role in supplying natural gas to Qatar’s domestic power and industrial sectors. It also produces liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other products meant for export.

Qatar’s Energy Minister and QatarEnergy Chief Executive Officer Saad al-Kaabi confirmed that all those who lost their lives in the explosion were from India and Pakistan. Addressing reporters, he clarified that the incident was accidental and not linked to any external threat. He said, "This was an accident and not a sabotage or hostile in nature...Plant production was intentionally completely stopped since December 2025 due to urgent maintenance requirements; it was first restarted again only two days ago."

The statement ruled out any possibility of sabotage or hostile action. It also highlighted that the facility had only resumed operations two days before the explosion after remaining closed for urgent maintenance work since December 2025.

Following the incident, the Indian Embassy in Qatar issued a statement regarding the condition of those injured in the blast. The embassy said, "Qatari authorities have also confirmed that all those who got injured in the incident are in stable condition and are receiving appropriate medical treatment. Our Embassy is working in close contact with the Qatari authorities to extend all possible help to the Indian nationals and their families affected by this incident, including ensuring that the mortal remains of the deceased are sent to India at the earliest."

The embassy’s statement indicated that injured individuals are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. It also confirmed that efforts are underway to support affected families and facilitate the return of the mortal remains of the deceased to India as quickly as possible.

The explosion underscores the challenges involved in restarting major energy facilities after prolonged shutdowns. The Barzan facility is a critical component of Qatar’s energy network and is closely linked to the country’s domestic gas supply system. Any disruption at the plant can have wider implications for industrial operations and energy production.

The facility is located within Ras Laffan Industrial City, QatarEnergy’s flagship LNG production and export hub. The industrial city is one of the most significant energy centres in the world and has an annual production capacity of 77 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas. It serves as the backbone of Qatar’s LNG exports and supports several related energy industries.

As investigations continue, both Indian and Qatari authorities remain engaged in providing assistance to those affected. The focus remains on supporting the families of the victims, ensuring proper medical care for the injured, and completing the process of repatriating the deceased. The incident stands as one of the deadliest industrial accidents involving Indian workers in Qatar in recent years and has prompted condolences and support from both governments.