Utmost Priority: Over 52,000 Indians Return From Gulf Amid Widening Iran War, MEA Monitors West Asia Crisis Closely
India said it is closely monitoring the evolving crisis across West Asia and the Gulf as the widening war between Iran, the United States and Israel continues to disrupt regional stability and aviation networks, with tens of thousands of Indian nationals already returning home amid the escalating conflict.
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The government said Indian citizens in the region have been advised to remain in contact with local authorities and follow the guidance issued by Indian diplomatic missions.
According to the ministry, “all Indian nationals in the region are advised to follow the guidelines of the local authorities as well as the advisories being issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate in their location,” noting that embassies and consulates across the affected countries have issued detailed advisories and established 24-hour helplines to assist people facing difficulties because of the ongoing situation.
To manage the growing volume of requests and emergency inquiries, the ministry said it had also set up a dedicated Special Control Room to respond to concerns from affected citizens and their families.
“The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a dedicated Special Control Room to monitor and respond to queries from those affected as well as their families,” the statement said, adding that helpline information had been made available through official government channels.
Despite continuing disruptions to aviation across the region, authorities said a gradual reopening of airspace in some countries has allowed airlines to operate a limited number of flights to facilitate the return of stranded passengers.
The ministry said that “following the partial opening of airspace across the region in the last few days, Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers who were in transit or on short-term visits.”
According to the government’s figures, more than 52,000 Indians have already travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1 and March 7, with 32,107 passengers flying on Indian carriers, while additional flights are being planned to help those still attempting to return home.
The ministry also advised citizens in locations where commercial flights remain suspended to stay in contact with Indian missions for assistance. “In those countries where commercial flight operations are unavailable, Indian nationals are advised to contact the concerned Embassy or Consulate for information and advice regarding the nearest available commercial flight options,” the statement said.
Reiterating the government’s position, the ministry said the “safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority,” adding that New Delhi remains engaged with governments across the region to facilitate assistance and ensure that those in need receive support.
The advisory comes as the war between Iran, Israel and the United States continues to widen across the Middle East, drawing in multiple countries and disrupting both maritime and air routes across the Gulf.
Missile and drone attacks have targeted several Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets, while airspace closures and security alerts have repeatedly halted aviation operations at major hubs including Dubai and Doha.
At sea, tensions have also spread into the Indian Ocean after a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka earlier this week, while another Iranian naval vessel sought assistance from Sri Lankan authorities and a third Iranian ship later docked at Kochi in India after reporting technical difficulties.