New Delhi, April 2:The Government of India has successfully facilitated the safe return of over 6 lakh passengers from West Asia, amid escalating tensions between the US-Israel and Iran. This marks the second month of the conflict, with the situation continuing to evolve. A senior government official provided the update on Thursday, emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in the region.
Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the latest details during an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital. He confirmed that since February 28, approximately 624,000 passengers have returned to India. Despite the challenging circumstances, airlines are continuing to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on safety and operational requirements. Mahajan mentioned that around 90 flights are expected to depart from the UAE to various Indian cities today.
Flights are also operating from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to India, while Qatar Airways is expected to run 8 to 10 flights between Qatar and India today, as the airspace partially reopens. However, Kuwait and Bahrain airspace remain closed, and Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) and Gulf Air (Bahrain) have been operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to India. These efforts are ensuring that Indian nationals can travel from Kuwait and Bahrain despite the restrictions.
In light of airspace closures and flight limitations, the government has arranged alternative routes for Indian nationals, facilitating travel from Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan, from Israel through Egypt and Jordan, from Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and from Kuwait and Bahrain through Saudi Arabia to India.
Addressing a recent incident in the UAE, Mahajan updated that an Indian national was injured on Wednesday after drone debris fell near an industrial facility in Umm Al Quwain. The injured individual is receiving medical treatment in a local hospital, with the Indian Consulate providing full support. According to Gulf News, the debris was a result of an intercepted drone.
Mahajan reassured the public that the Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the unfolding situation across the Gulf and West Asia, reaffirming that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals remain the government's top priority. He highlighted that the dedicated control room is functioning around the clock to assist Indian citizens, students, seafarers, and the wider Indian diaspora in the region.
The government continues to ensure that its missions and consulates in the region are actively engaged and providing timely updates to Indian nationals.
