The heightened efforts come amid rising tensions in West Asia, following a breakdown in US Iran talks…reports Asian Lite News
India has ramped up efforts to safeguard and assist its citizens in West Asia and the Gulf as the security situation in the region continues to evolve, with over 9.27 lakh people already returning home, officials said on Monday.
The update was shared by Aseem R Mahajan during an inter ministerial briefing in the national capital, where he outlined ongoing evacuation and travel facilitation measures led by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Mahajan said a dedicated control room at the ministry remains operational, working closely with Indian missions across the region. “Our missions are running round the clock helplines and are in constant contact with local authorities to assist Indian nationals,” he noted.
Providing details on travel, he said nearly 100 flights were expected to operate from the UAE to India on Monday, while services were also running from Saudi Arabia and Oman. With partial reopening of Qatari airspace, Qatar Airways was expected to operate eight to ten flights to India.
Flights have also resumed from Bahrain, with Gulf Air planning limited operations. Authorities are additionally facilitating travel for Indian nationals from Bahrain via Saudi Arabia.
Evacuation efforts from conflict affected zones are ongoing. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has so far helped move 2,230 nationals out of Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including hundreds of students and fishermen.
Mahajan said Israeli airspace remains partially open with restricted operations, and Indians are being assisted to travel via Jordan and Egypt. Iraq has reopened its airspace, with Iraqi Airways resuming flights to India.
However, Kuwaiti airspace remains closed. Airlines such as Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating special services via Dammam in Saudi Arabia, with authorities facilitating onward journeys for Indian nationals.
The government said it continues to monitor developments closely and remains engaged with the Indian community across the region, including businesses, organisations and professional groups. Missions are also assisting Indian crew members on vessels, coordinating with local authorities and helping arrange their return where needed.
The heightened efforts come amid rising tensions in West Asia, following a breakdown in US Iran talks and moves by the United States to tighten pressure on Tehran, including plans affecting key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said ensuring the safety and well being of Indian citizens in the region remains the government’s top priority.
