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India Evacuates 475,000 Nationals Amid West Asia Airspace Crisis

The Indian government has facilitated the return of approximately 475,000 nationals from the West Asia region since February 28 due to flight restrictions and airspace closures stemming from the conflict. Joint Secretary Aseem Mahajan outlined alternative travel routes through countries like Armenia, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia for citizens returning from Iran, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Tragically, seven Indian nationals have lost their lives in separate incidents, with one person still missing, and missions are assisting with repatriation. The government has also dismissed rumors of a lockdown and warned citizens about misinformation while assuring adequate fuel supplies and operational supply chains.

Key Points: India Facilitates Travel for Nationals Amid West Asia Conflict

  • 475,000 passengers returned since Feb 28
  • 7 Indian nationals killed, 1 missing
  • Routes via Armenia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia
  • Government dismisses lockdown rumors
  • Advises public against fake news
2 min read

Government continues to facilitate travel of Indian nationals due to flight restrictions caused by West Asia conflict

Over 475,000 Indians evacuated since Feb 28 as government arranges routes via neighboring countries amid airspace closures.

"Due to flight restrictions and airspace closures, we continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals - Aseem Mahajan"

New Delhi, March 28

The government continues to facilitate travel of Indian nationals due to flight restrictions and airspace closures in the wake of the West Asia crisis and around 4,75,000 passengers have returned from the region to India since February 28, Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Friday.

"Due to flight restrictions and airspace closures, we continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals: from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan to India; from Israel via Jordan to India; from Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India; and from Kuwait and Bahrain via Saudi Arabia to India," he said at the inter-ministerial briefing.

"Yesterday, an Indian national sadly lost his life in an attack in Abu Dhabi. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. Our mission in Abu Dhabi is in touch with them and is coordinating with local authorities for the early return of his mortal remains. Another Indian national sustained minor injuries but has been discharged from the hospital. So far, seven Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one remains missing in separate incidents. Our missions in Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are in contact with the authorities regarding the missing national and for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased," he added.

The government has dismissed the rumours of a lockdown. It advised citizens to be aware of fake news and misinformation, and said that adequate supplies of petrol and diesel are available and that supply chains remain fully operational.

The conflict between Israel-US and Iran began on February 28 and has caused disruption in global energy supply chains.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. It's a tragic reminder of the risks our people take working abroad. The government must ensure the remains are brought back with full respect and dignity.
R
Rohit P
While the evacuation is good, what about the long-term solution? Our economy relies on remittances from the Gulf. We need stronger diplomatic channels to protect our citizens from being caught in these geopolitical crossfires.
S
Sarah B
The clarification about no lockdown and fuel supply is very important. Social media was going crazy with rumors yesterday. People need to verify news from official sources before panicking.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, the briefing feels reactive. We need proactive safety advisories *before* our people travel to conflict zones. Also, the routes via Jordan and Armenia sound complex - hope the process is smooth for those stranded.
K
Kavya N
Prayers for the safe return of the missing Indian national. Our embassies are doing God's work in such difficult times. Jai Hind.

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