The Ministry of External Affairs stated that approximately 244,000 Indian nationals have returned to India from the Gulf and West Asia since 28 February, as evacuation efforts intensified amid rising tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, the situation in West Asia has deteriorated rapidly. In response, the Government of India has accelerated efforts to bring back its citizens safely. According to the Ministry, large-scale coordination and flight operations have facilitated the return of Indian nationals from the region.
Inter-ministerial briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs
At an inter-ministerial briefing held in New Delhi, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Asim R Mahajan stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation. He said the safety of Indian citizens remains the highest priority amid the ongoing conflict. He also confirmed that five Indian nationals have died in the conflict so far, while one individual remains missing.
Bodies of two Indian nationals repatriated
Mahajan stated that the bodies of two Indian nationals who were killed in a recent incident in Sohar, Oman, were brought to India on Tuesday and handed over to their families in Jaipur. The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of Indian nationals abroad.
Evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran continues
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that evacuation operations from Iran are ongoing. He said around 650 Indian nationals, including students, had earlier reached Armenia and Azerbaijan from Iran to facilitate their return to India. He added that approximately 50 more Indians have reached Armenia, while others have travelled to Azerbaijan.
Safe return of pilgrims
Jaiswal stated that 284 Indian pilgrims who had travelled to Iran have also reached Armenia safely. Of these, 130 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Delhi. The evacuation operations are being conducted through coordinated government efforts.
Control room functioning круглосуточно
The Ministry stated that its control room is operational круглосуточно and continues to assist Indian nationals. It noted a decline in the number of calls and emails received, indicating some stabilisation in the situation.
BRICS response faces challenges
Responding to a question on the position of BRICS, Jaiswal stated that the grouping functions on the basis of consensus. He said several BRICS member countries are directly involved in the conflict, making it challenging to arrive at a unified position. He added that India remains in contact with all parties and is working towards a resolution through dialogue.
Developments following US-Israel strikes
On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, leading to heightened tensions across the region. In response, Iran carried out strikes on certain Gulf countries hosting US military bases and attempted to disrupt the strategic Strait of Hormuz, affecting international trade and oil supply.
India’s diplomatic engagement
According to the Ministry, India has emphasised restraint and diplomacy since the outset of the conflict. The government has urged all parties to avoid escalation and resolve issues through dialogue. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also discussed the matter at a high-level meeting with European Union foreign ministers in Brussels.
Flight operations and evacuation scale
Mahajan stated that approximately 65 flights were operated from the United Arab Emirates to India on 16 March, while around 70 flights were expected to operate on Tuesday. Flights from Oman to various Indian cities are also continuing, reflecting the scale of the evacuation effort.
Safety of Indian nationals remains priority
The government reiterated that the safety of Indian nationals in West Asia and the Gulf region remains its highest priority. Coordination is ongoing with state governments and Union Territories, while Indian missions abroad are operating круглосуточно to provide assistance in emergency situations.
