About 1,600 Indians returned from Qatar as limited flights resume amid regional tensions, missile attacks, and diplomatic measures, highlighting safety and consular coordination challenges….reports Asian Lite News
Around 1,600 Indian nationals travelled from Qatar to India on Tuesday, with Qatar Airways operating five flights, according to a statement from the Embassy of India, Doha. Destinations included two flights to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.
The flights mark a critical lifeline for Indian residents in Qatar amid ongoing regional tensions and restricted airspace. Qatar Airways continues to operate limited, non-scheduled flights, though it has announced plans to expand service to nine Indian destinations from 18 March. Bookings are available through the airline’s website, app, or authorised travel agents.
The Embassy of India, Doha, has also facilitated temporary transit visas for Indians wishing to travel via Saudi Arabia, using the Salwa border. Consular services, including passport issuance, are being offered daily, and the Embassy’s 24/7 helpline remains active to assist residents. Community organisations, working alongside the Embassy, have also provided dry rations for the Indian fishermen community in Qatar, demonstrating coordinated support for vulnerable groups.
The urgency comes as Qatar grapples with a series of security and industrial incidents. The Gulf nation recently sent its ninth letter to the United Nations Security Council raising concerns over repeated attacks from Iran. In the communication, Qatar’s Permanent Representative, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, highlighted that Iranian missile strikes had targeted Qatari territory and civilian infrastructure, posing direct threats to national security and regional stability.
Qatari authorities reported that from February 28 to March 16, their air defence systems intercepted multiple hostile aerial targets, and civilian injuries had occurred due to the attacks. The government stressed that these incidents persisted despite Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned Iran’s actions and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities. Qatar reaffirmed its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
In parallel, the country successfully contained a major fire at Ras Laffan Industrial City after ballistic missile attacks targeted its LNG and Gas-to-Liquids facilities. The Ministry of Interior confirmed no casualties, with emergency teams quickly bringing fires under control. QatarEnergy noted that multiple liquefaction facilities suffered damage, prompting an immediate response to secure operations.
In response to the escalating threat, Qatar declared the military and security attaches at the Iranian Embassy persona non grata, ordering their departure within 24 hours. The incidents underscore the high-security risks in the region, with international implications for energy and diplomatic relations.
