New Delhi (IANS): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that it has safely brought back more than 52,000 Indian nationals from the Gulf region between March 1 and March 7.
The MEA noted that Indian carriers transported 32,107 of these passengers, while foreign airlines flew the remainder.
Government Response and Monitoring
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Government of India is continuously monitoring developments in West Asia and the Gulf. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing the welfare of Indian nationals stranded during transit or short-term visits.
Jaiswal explained that the recent partial opening of regional airspace has allowed both scheduled and non-scheduled flights to operate.
“We have planned more flights in the coming days to ensure that those still awaiting evacuation return home safely,” Jaiswal informed.
Support Systems for Stranded Citizens
The spokesperson urged all Indian nationals in the region to follow local guidelines and advisories from Indian Embassies or Consulates. To support these efforts, the government has:
- Established 24/7 helplines at every Indian mission in the affected countries.
- Opened a dedicated Special Control Room in New Delhi to respond to queries from families.
- Published complete helpline details on the ministry’s official website.
Jaiswal advised citizens in areas without commercial flights to contact their nearest Embassy for guidance on alternative travel options. He reiterated that the government remains actively engaged with regional leaders to assist those in need.
Context of the Conflict
The war in West Asia erupted in late February after airstrikes in Tehran killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and senior IRGC officials. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel and American bases, destabilizing the wider region and disrupting global energy flows.
