India Continues Cautious Gulf Evacuations as War Disrupts Region; 177 Indians Leave Lebanon, 850 Depart Qatar
India has intensified evacuation and transit arrangements for its citizens across West Asia as the widening regional war continues to disrupt air routes and civilian movement, with hundreds of Indian nationals leaving Lebanon and Qatar in coordinated repatriation efforts over the past 24 hours.
The Embassy of India in Beirut confirmed that 177 Indian nationals departed Lebanon for New Delhi on a second repatriation flight arranged by their employer company, as Indian missions across the region accelerate assistance to citizens seeking to return home.
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| Image Source: MEA India/Embassy Concerned |
The movement comes amid escalating military activity across the Middle East and West Asia that has disrupted civilian aviation routes and increased security risks for migrant workers and travellers.
At the same time, the Embassy of India in Doha reported that around 850 Indian nationals departed Qatar for India on flights operated by Qatar Airways and other carriers, as part of ongoing efforts to facilitate voluntary departures from the region.
According to the embassy, two Qatar Airways flights operated on March 14 — one each to New Delhi and Mumbai — while additional passengers travelled on other available services.
Further departures are scheduled in the coming days, with one flight announced for March 15 to New Delhi and three additional flights on March 16 to New Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, as airlines continue adjusting operations in response to the evolving security situation.
Indian authorities are also facilitating an alternative land route from Qatar into Saudi Arabia through the Abu Samra–Salwa border crossing, allowing travellers to continue onward journeys to India from Saudi airports if flights from Qatar become limited.
The Embassy of India in Doha issued a detailed advisory outlining the procedure for travellers choosing the land route, stating that passengers must obtain the necessary approvals before reaching the border and that processing may take about 48 hours from the time the embassy receives complete travel details.
Travellers using the route are required to carry a valid passport, an approved Saudi transit visa and a confirmed onward flight ticket from Riyadh or Dammam to India, as entry may be denied by Saudi immigration without proof of onward travel.
The advisory also clarified border procedures, stating that group travellers arriving by bus must complete immigration formalities at the Ministry of Interior office at the Abu Samra border, while those travelling by private vehicles will be processed through standard checkpoints.
Passengers have also been advised to travel during the designated window between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., allowing time for coordination with Saudi authorities and to ensure smoother crossings.
Indian officials said the embassy in Doha continues to operate three 24-hour helplines to assist citizens with travel arrangements and emergency queries.
Meanwhile, Qatari authorities clarified that precautionary evacuation measures earlier announced in parts of the country applied only to residents in specific locations who had received alerts through the national emergency notification system, and that assistance could be obtained through the country’s Ministry of Interior helpline.
The ongoing evacuations reflect the growing logistical challenge facing governments across the region as the war spreads across multiple countries and begins affecting civilian travel networks.
Indian missions across West Asia have stepped up advisories, transit arrangements and coordination with airlines to help citizens navigate disrupted airspace and evolving security conditions, while urging travellers to register with embassies and follow official instructions.
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