"Take proactive measures to safeguard Indians in Middle East": Rahul Gandhi urges Centre amid US-Israel, Iran strikes
New Delhi, February 28
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged the Centre to take proactive measures to safeguard Indians in West Asia amid military strikes between US-Israel and Iran.
Expressing concern over the conflict in the region, Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, "The rapidly escalating hostilities between US-Israel and Iran are deeply concerning. The safety and security of every Indian citizen across the Middle East must be our highest priority. I urge the Government of India to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard our people."
Israel and the United States launched a joint military strike on Iran, codenamed Operation Roaring Lion, targeting military sites, missile production facilities, and areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office.
The situation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with emergency measures and public anxiety spreading as developments continue to unfold.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, moving hospitals underground and activating sirens. Iran, Israel, and Iraq have closed their airspace, suspending all flights.
The attack cones in the backdrop of diplomatic fallout amid the nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran disrupted.
Iran says it has launched a targeted missile strike against a United States military base in Bahrain.
According to the Iranian embassy in India, "A US military base in Bahrain was targeted by Iranian missile strikes." The embassy also posted a video of the aftermath of the strike, with plumes of smoke visible.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged Indian nationals to exercise utmost caution and avoid unnecessary developments in the wake of a major joint military strike by Israel and the United States on Iran.
The Embassy also issued emergency contact details and called for Indians to continue monitoring news and maintain situational awareness.
In a post on X, it said, "In view of the developing situation, all Indian nationals in Iran are advised to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible. Indians may also continue to monitor the news, maintain situational awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of India. The emergency contact details of the embassy are reiterated as below: +989128109115 +989128109109 +989128109102 +989932179359."
The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv also issued an advisory calling for all Indian nationals in Israel.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate Rahul Gandhi raising this issue, it's crucial that we stand united as a nation during such crises. The MEA and our embassies are already on the job. Let's not politicize the safety of Indians. Hope our citizens in the Gulf region stay safe.
The Middle East conflict directly impacts India. So many Indian families depend on remittances from there. The government should immediately start talks with all involved nations to secure safe corridors for our people if needed. Jai Hind.
As someone who has lived in Bahrain, this is terrifying news. The US base there is a major installation. Indian expats are a huge community across these countries. I hope the Indian government is in touch with airlines for possible evacuation flights. Thoughts with everyone there.
The advisory from our embassy is clear: stay indoors, be cautious. We must trust our diplomatic channels. They handled the Ukraine evacuation well. Let's not spread panic. Share the embassy contact numbers with anyone you know in Iran or Israel.
It's easy to make statements on X. The government is undoubtedly working behind the scenes. Our foreign policy should be balanced – we have good relations with both the Gulf nations and Israel. This is a delicate tightrope walk. Safety of Indians is paramount.
N We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.