India evacuates over 52,000 nationals from Gulf as regional tensions escalate

In a major consular effort amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently said that more than 52,000 Indian nationals were brought back to India from the Gulf region between March 1 and March 7.

Sharing the update on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 32,107 passengers travelled on Indian carriers, while the government facilitated the safe return of thousands of others through coordinated efforts with regional authorities and airlines.

The MEA said it has been closely monitoring developments across West Asia and the Gulf, with a strong focus on the safety and welfare of Indian nationals, particularly those stranded in transit or on short-term visits.

“The safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is of utmost priority to the government, which remains engaged with governments across the region to facilitate assistance to those in need,” the ministry said.

To support citizens in the region, Indian embassies and consulates have set up 24×7 helplines, while a Special Control Room has been established to handle queries from affected individuals and their families.

The government has also advised Indian nationals in the region to strictly follow the guidelines issued by local authorities as well as advisories released by Indian diplomatic missions.

Earlier this week, India urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and prioritize civilian safety, acknowledging that some Indian nationals had died while others remained missing amid the unrest.

The government also highlighted that nearly one crore Indians live and work across the Gulf region, making their safety a key concern as the conflict spreads across multiple countries.

On March 2, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and expressed concern over the security of the Indian expatriate community. The committee directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.

Following the review, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre was fully prepared to evacuate Indians stranded in the Gulf and was in close coordination with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.

Advisory issued for Indians in UAE

Amid heightened security alerts, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has warned Indian nationals against unauthorized filming of incident sites, restricted areas, and airport facilities across the United Arab Emirates.

The embassy urged residents and travelers to strictly comply with local laws and safety instructions issued by UAE authorities, cautioning that violations could lead to legal consequences.

In its advisory, the mission asked individuals to immediately move to a safe location when warning alerts are issued and remain there until authorities lift the alert.

“Do not attempt to go outside to take photographs or videos,” the advisory said.

The embassy also urged Indian nationals to avoid sharing images or videos of incident sites, including damage caused by projectiles or shrapnel, on digital or social media platforms.

Citizens were further advised to report any discovery of suspicious objects or falling debris to local authorities immediately, while maintaining a safe distance and avoiding any contact with such objects.

Even at airports, the mission cautioned travelers against taking photographs or recording videos in arrival and departure areas, reiterating the need to respect local security regulations.