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8.15 Lakh Indians Evacuated From West Asia Amid Conflict Since Feb 28

The Ministry of External Affairs has reported that approximately 8.15 lakh passengers have travelled from the West Asia region to India since the conflict escalated on February 28. Despite airspace restrictions in countries like Kuwait and Israel, flights continue from open areas, with rerouting through hubs like Jordan and Egypt. India's embassy in Tehran has specifically facilitated the transit of over 2,100 Indian nationals, including students and fishermen, through Armenia and Azerbaijan. High-level diplomatic engagements are ongoing, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minister Hardeep Singh Puri scheduled for visits to the UAE and Qatar, respectively.

Key Points: 8.15 Lakh Passengers Travel to India from West Asia Amid Conflict

  • 8.15 lakh passengers to India since Feb 28
  • Airspace closures in Kuwait, Israel reroute flights
  • Embassy in Iran facilitated 2,170 nationals' transit
  • EAM Jaishankar to visit UAE, Puri to Qatar
2 min read

Since 28 Feb, around 8,15,000 passengers travelled to India from West Asia amid conflict: MEA

MEA reports massive passenger movement from West Asia to India since Feb 28, with airspace closures and ongoing diplomatic efforts for citizen safety.

"Since 28 February, around 8,15,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. - Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, April 9

Since the inception of the conflict in West Asia on February 28, after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, around 8,15,000 passengers have travelled to India from the region as hostilities escalated, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Thursday.

According to an official release on the inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the region, officials from the MEA said that India continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and remains actively engaged with countries across the region to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.

The officials noted that despite airspace restrictions in the region, flights from countries where operations remain feasible are continuing.

"Flights continue to operate from countries where airspace remains open. Since 28 February, around 8,15,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India," the release stated.

In the UAE, around 85 limited non-scheduled flights are expected today, while travel from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar is ongoing. Airspace closures in Kuwait and Israel have necessitated rerouting via alternate hubs such as Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

The MEA also highlighted that the Embassy of India in Iran has facilitated the transit of 2,170 Indian nationals to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including 971 students and 657 fishermen.

"The Embassy of India in Tehran has so far facilitated movement of 2,170 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including 971 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen. Israeli airspace remains closed. Travel of Indian nationals continue to be facilitated through Jordan and Egypt to India. Iraq airspace is now open, though flight operations have not yet resumed. Travel of Indian nationals continue to be facilitated through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India," the statement added.

The officials also stated that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates from April 11 to April 12 to meet UAE leadership and review bilateral cooperation under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and also noted that Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, will undertake an official visit to Qatar from April 9 to April 10.

According to a statement issued by the MEA on Wednesday, the EAM's visit to the UAE is part of a two-leg foreign visit.

The EAM is currently on a two-day visit to Mauritius, as part of leg one of his visit from April 9 to April 10, during which he will participate in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My cousin was one of the students brought back from Iran. The embassy officials were very helpful and coordinated everything despite the chaos. A big thank you to them. Feeling relieved she's home safe.
R
Rohit P
The number is staggering. It shows how many of our people work in the Gulf region. While the evacuation is commendable, we need stronger long-term policies to reduce this over-dependence on a volatile region for jobs.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the diplomatic shuttle with Jaishankar visiting UAE and Puri going to Qatar. Maintaining these relationships is crucial not just for people, but for our energy security too.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the focus on fishermen and students. They are often the most vulnerable in such situations. Hope the government also has a plan to help them resettle or find opportunities back here.
K
Karthik V
The logistics of rerouting flights through Jordan, Egypt, Saudi must have been a nightmare. Respect to the civil aviation and external affairs teams for pulling this off. This is effective governance.
M
Michael C
While the effort is impressive, the article mentions "limited non-scheduled flights". I hope the authorities are ensuring these are not being operated at exorbitant fares, exploiting people's desperation to leave.

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