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12.65 Lakh Indians Return from Gulf Since Feb 28 Amid Regional Tensions

Over 12.65 lakh Indian passengers have returned from Gulf and West Asian countries since February 28, with the MEA closely monitoring regional developments. Indian missions are operating round-the-clock helplines and assisting citizens, while flight operations are gradually resuming from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. The government advises against travel to Iran and has helped over 2,400 Indians leave via land borders, while Israel has resumed limited flights. Maritime safety measures are in place, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported.

Key Points: 12.65 Lakh Indians Return from Gulf Since Feb 28

  • Over 12.65 lakh passengers returned from Gulf and West Asia since Feb 28
  • Indian missions operate round-the-clock helplines
  • Flight operations gradually resume with UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
  • Over 2,400 Indians assisted to leave Iran via land borders
2 min read

Over 12.65 lakh passengers returned to India from Gulf, West Asia since Feb 28: Govt

Over 12.65 lakh Indian passengers have returned from Gulf and West Asia since Feb 28. MEA monitors safety, flights resume, and maritime security assured.

"The government has been issuing regular advisories to keep Indian nationals informed about local regulations, travel updates and available consular services. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, April 25

The government on Saturday said that around 12.65 lakh passengers have travelled from the Gulf and West Asia region to India since February 28.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely tracking developments in the region, with a strong focus on the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community.

Indian missions and posts across the Gulf and West Asia are operating round-the-clock helplines and are actively assisting citizens while remaining in constant touch with local governments.

The government has been issuing regular advisories to keep Indian nationals informed about local regulations, travel updates and available consular services.

Missions are also engaging with Indian community groups, companies and professional organisations to ensure timely support reaches those in need.

Flight operations between India and the region are gradually improving, with additional services being introduced.

In the UAE, airlines are operating limited commercial flights based on safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected to operate between the UAE and India on Saturday.

Services are also continuing from Saudi Arabia and Oman, while Qatar Airways has resumed flights after partial reopening of Qatar's airspace.

Air connectivity is also picking up in other parts of the region. Kuwait and Bahrain have reopened their airspace, with airlines either resuming or planning limited operations to India.

Iraq is allowing restricted flight services that can be used for onward travel, while Iran has partially opened its airspace for cargo and chartered flights.

The government has advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those currently there to exit via land borders, with assistance from the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which has already helped over 2,400 Indians leave the country.

Meanwhile, Israel has resumed limited flight operations, providing additional routes for travel to India through connecting destinations.

On the maritime front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region.

No incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the past 24 hours, and all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, the centre said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
12.65 lakh is a huge number! Our diaspora in West Asia is the backbone of many economies there. Glad the MEA is finally issuing advisories, but why did this response take so long after the situation escalated? Could have avoided so much anxiety for families back home.
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Rohan X
My uncle is stuck in Kuwait and the flights are a mess. Air connectivity picking up is good news, but we need concrete steps—ticket prices are skyrocketing and many can't afford to return. The government should negotiate with airlines for affordable fares, not just update numbers.
P
Priya S
Safety of Indian vessels and seafarers is a relief—no incidents reported. But what about those stuck in Iran? Over 2,400 helped to exit is commendable, but the advisory to "avoid travel" feels too little too late. Our embassies need to be more proactive in crises like this. 🇮🇳
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Michael C
As an expat working in Dubai, I appreciate the Indian government's efforts. The 110 flights between UAE and India today is a positive step. But the process for registration and verification needs to be streamlined—many seniors are struggling with the online systems. Keep it simple please.
V
Vikram M
Great that Israel has resumed limited flights—that's an alternative route. But what about Iraq? "Restricted flight services" sounds vague. Our government should open evacuation flights from conflict zones, not just rely on commercial options. People are stranded with no money for tickets. 😔

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