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Over 6 Lakh Indians Evacuated from West Asia Amid Conflict, Says Govt

The Indian government has facilitated the return of over 6.24 lakh passengers from the West Asia region since February 28th amid the ongoing conflict. Officials detailed complex flight operations, including routes through Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Armenia due to airspace closures in some countries. An update was provided on an Indian national injured by falling drone debris in the UAE, who is receiving consular assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community in the region remains its highest priority.

Key Points: 6 Lakh Indians Return from West Asia Amid Conflict

  • Massive repatriation effort
  • Flights operating via multiple routes
  • Indian national injured in UAE drone debris
  • Govt control room active 24/7
  • Safety of Indian community top priority
3 min read

Over 6 lakh passengers return to India amid West Asia conflict, says govt

Over 6.24 lakh passengers have returned to India from the West Asia conflict zone. Govt provides updates on flights and an injured national.

"Since February 28th, around 6,24,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. - Aseem R Mahajan"

New Delhi, April 2

A senior official from the Government of India informed on Thursday that over 6 lakh passengers have returned to India from the West Asia region amid the developing security situation as the conflict between US-Israel and Iran enters its second month now.

He also provided an update on the Indian national injured in the UAE yesterday and underlined that the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region remains the government's utmost priority.

Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the update during the inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital.

Mahajan said, "Since February 28th, around 6,24,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. Around 90 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to various destinations in India today."

He added that flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India.

"With the Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10 flights to India today. Kuwait and Bahrain airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Gulf Air of Bahrain have been operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India. This is facilitating the travel of Indian nationals from Kuwait and Bahrain", Mahajan further noted.

The Additional Secretary (Gulf) also informed that due to flight restrictions and airspace closure, the government continues to facilitate travel of Indian nationals from Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan to India, from Israel through Egypt and Jordan to India, from Iraq through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India, and from Kuwait and Bahrain through Saudi Arabia to India.

Sharing an update on the incident on Wednesday in the UAE, where an Indian national was injured after a drone debris interception, Mahajan said, "In an attack yesterday in Umm Al Quwain in the UAE, an indian national was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Our consulate is extending all assistance to the injured Indian national."

According to a report by Gulf News on Wednesday, citing the Umm Al Quwain Government Media office, it was reported that one Indian national was injured after debris from an intercepted drone fell near an industrial facility in the Umm Al Thaoub area.

Mahajan, in his remarks, assured that the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the large Indian community in the region remains our highest priority.

He said that the dedicated special control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families and that the missions and posts across the region are operating round the clock with regular information being provided to students, nationals, seafarers, and resident Indian communities.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
My cousin was in Dubai and just got back last week. The process was chaotic at the airport but the embassy staff were very helpful. The real challenge will be for those who have lost jobs and have to restart their lives here now.
R
Rohit P
The news about the Indian national injured by drone debris in UAE is scary. It shows the conflict is spilling over. Hope he recovers soon. Our government must keep pressure on all sides for de-escalation. This is affecting innocent lives.
S
Sarah B
While the evacuation efforts are commendable, I hope there is also a plan to support these returning families. Many are the sole earners. We need job fairs, skill mapping, and financial counseling to help them settle back.
V
Vikram M
The logistics are mind-boggling. Coordinating flights through multiple countries with closed airspace... from Iran via Armenia, from Israel via Egypt. Hats off to the diplomats and aviation officials on the ground. This is true crisis management.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The communication could be better. Many families are getting information from WhatsApp groups instead of official channels. The special control room number and procedures should be advertised more widely on news channels.
N
Nisha Z
So many of our nurses, engineers

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