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Ex-Envoy: No Mass Exodus of Indians from UAE Despite Iran Drone Strikes

Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir stated there is no significant trend of Indians leaving the Emirates due to the West Asia conflict, attributing this to the country's strong economy and defence systems. He highlighted that during recent attacks, UAE defences successfully intercepted projectiles, with only falling debris causing minor damage to infrastructure. Sudhir contrasted the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that even then, most Indians in the UAE did not return home en masse. The Iranian military confirmed the drone strikes on UAE targets were retaliation for earlier US-Israeli actions against Iranian facilities.

Key Points: No Trend of Indians Leaving UAE Amid Conflict: Ex-Ambassador

  • UAE defences intercept drones and missiles
  • Economy remains robust and resilient
  • No mass return of Indians observed
  • Safety key to Dubai's global image
  • Strikes were retaliation for US-Israeli actions
2 min read

No trend of Indians leaving UAE in large numbers amid West Asia crisis: Former ambassador Sunjay Sudhir

Former Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir says UAE's robust economy and strong defences prevent a trend of Indians fleeing despite West Asia tensions.

"We have not noticed a trend of people fleeing the country. - Sunjay Sudhir"

New Delhi, April 5

Former Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Sunjay Sudhir, said that there was no trend of Indians returning in large numbers amid the West Asia conflict.

In an interview with ANI, Sunjay Sudhir lauded the UAE's defence systems, stating that only debris hurt the infrastructure, not the missiles or drones fired by Iran.

Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted the UAE has a "robust and resilient" economy.

Sudhir said, "The UAE is a robust and resilient economy, so there has never been pressure on people to return. During COVID, Indians did not return in large numbers, though some came back. They come back due to family and other reasons, and then they go back. We have not noticed a trend of people fleeing the country."

"Although Iran has sent more missiles and drones to the UAE than even to Israel, the defence mechanism of the UAE has been so strong that what has hurt people or buildings is debris. It's not the missiles and all. And I think we have to give the country full marks for having the wherewithal to protect infrastructure and people," he added.

Addressing the incidents of drone debris striking buildings in Dubai, he noted, "The world has seen Dubai bounce back several times. In COVID, when connectivity was shattered, Emirates and Etihad Airlines connected the world. Safety and security are key things people associate with Dubai."

The Iranian military has launched drone attacks against United States military installations in the United Arab Emirates, as reported by the state broadcaster Press TV, as a response to strikes initiated by the USA and Israel.

The Iranian army confirmed that its forces deployed Arash 2 drones to strike a radar system designed for the detection and identification of missiles and combat drones. The offensive also targeted the UAE's aluminium industry, which Tehran identifies as a critical component of regional military logistics.

The army noted that several Arab media organisations had already documented reports of explosions occurring within both Kuwait and the UAE following the strikes.

According to Press TV, the Iranian army characterised the strikes as a direct retaliation for US-Israeli assaults on Iran's own industrial hubs.

On Saturday, authorities in Dubai responded after debris from an aerial interception fell on the facade of the Oracle building in Dubai Internet City, the Dubai Media Office confirmed. However, no injuries were reported in the incident.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the ambassador's words are comforting, we must also be realistic. Debris causing damage is still a serious safety concern for residents. The government should have a clear evacuation plan ready if the situation escalates, just in case.
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Rohit P
The resilience of the Indian community in the Gulf is amazing. During COVID and now during tensions, they stay put because their livelihoods are there. Salute to their courage. The Indian embassy must remain on high alert to support them.
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Priyanka N
My brother is an engineer in Dubai. He says life is mostly normal, but news of debris hitting buildings is worrying. Hope the UAE and Iran can de-escalate. The Gulf region's stability is crucial for millions of Indian families back home.
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Aman W
Good to know there's no panic exodus. The UAE has been a second home for Indians for decades. Their economy is indeed robust. But let's not be complacent - the MEA should keep monitoring the situation 24/7.
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Kriti O
The part about Dubai bouncing back is so true! It's a city built on resilience. Praying for the safety of all our Indian brothers and sisters there. Jai Hind.

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