India (Commonwealth Union)_ According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has brought back around 2.6 lakh citizens from West Asia since February 28 as tensions in the region sharply escalated. The large-scale return, carried out quietly over the past few weeks, is one of the biggest civilian movements in recent years. Most of those who returned were based in Gulf countries, while Indians stranded in Iran have been assisted in leaving through neighbouring countries. Officials said the situation remains serious, but evacuation and travel arrangements have steadily improved.
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On Wednesday alone, nearly 70 flights were scheduled to operate from airports in the United Arab Emirates to various Indian cities, offering some relief to those trying to return. Despite disruptions in parts of the region, authorities described the current flight situation as stable and gradually improving. The developments take place against the backdrop of escalating violence in West Asia, which began when the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran. The situation has now worsened, with retaliatory assaults targeting many Gulf countries. This has aroused worries not just about the safety of Indian people, but also about important maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical transit for world oil supply.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed the unfolding scenario. During the talk, both presidents emphasized the necessity of maintaining safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and agreed on the need to restore peace and security in the area. India also strongly condemned assaults that killed civilians and damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has been actively helping nationals, notably students. Many have already been transferred inside Iran or assisted in crossing into countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan. Authorities have issued travel advisories, encouraging individuals to follow official guidelines to guarantee safe cross-border travel.
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Furthermore, air travel in the region continues to be challenging. While some nations have largely reopened their airspace, others are still prohibited. For example, Qatar has restricted operations, with only a few planes per day, while Kuwait’s airspace has been closed since the conflict began. However, special flights are being arranged to help stranded passengers return to India. Additionally, the government is also keeping a close watch on requests related to fuel supplies from neighbouring countries, balancing external demands with domestic needs. At the same time, Indian missions across West Asia are providing round-the-clock support, including visa assistance, travel coordination, and emergency services.
Tragically, five Indians have perished in various scenarios amid the ongoing combat, and one remains missing. Indian embassies in Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are working with local authorities to locate the missing individual and facilitate the return of the deceased. Officials emphasized that the safety and well-being of Indian citizens remain the government’s primary priority. With the crisis currently escalating, India is closely watching events to ensure that those affected receive quick assistance and support.
