India has brought back nearly 67,000 citizens from West Asia since the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran escalated on February 28. The authorities are coordinating additional flights and diplomatic assistance is being extended as partial airspace openings allow travel to gradually resume.
According to officials, the return of stranded nationals has been facilitated through special and commercial flights operated by Indian and foreign airlines, even as aviation operations in the region remain disrupted due to security concerns and restricted airspace.
Between February 28 and early March, hundreds of flights carried passengers back to India from Gulf countries and nearby regions.
However, the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran has caused substantial disturbance in the aviation traffic between India and West Asia. From the time the war began more than 2,600 flights have been cancelled by Indian airlines. Airlines have slowly resumed services as limited air corridors reopen, with about 40 percent of the usual flight operations currently active on several routes.
Authorities say additional flights will continue to be arranged as airspace conditions improve and regulatory approvals are granted.
Indian missions helping citizens return
India’s diplomatic missions across West Asia have been assisting citizens facing travel disruptions or security concerns.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament on Monday that the government is closely monitoring the situation, noting that the Gulf region hosts nearly 10 million Indians, while a smaller number of students and professionals are based in Iran.
Indian embassies and consulates in the region have played an important role in assisting with evacuating preparations as well as relocating Indian nationals to safer areas. In Iran, the Indian embassy moved hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer locations as a precaution.
Officials said missions have also helped some Indian citizens travel to neighbouring countries, including Armenia, to facilitate their return to India when direct routes were not available.
Situation room set up in New Delhi
As part of the government’s response, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a dedicated control room in New Delhi to monitor the situation and respond to requests from Indians in the region.
The facility coordinates with Indian missions abroad and other government agencies to address emergency queries, assist with travel disruptions and support evacuation requests if required.
In addition, the Directorate General of Shipping has created a quick-response mechanism to assist Indian seafarers working on vessels in the Gulf region, where maritime routes and port operations have also been affected by the crisis.
Officials said the government remains in constant contact with local authorities and community organisations to ensure Indian nationals receive timely assistance.
Diplomatic Engagement
India has continued its diplomatic engagement with regional stakeholders. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi this week to discuss the latest developments in the conflict.
Describing the call as a “detailed discussion” on the evolving situation, Jaishankar said both sides agreed to remain in touch as tensions continue in the region.
The conversation was part of ongoing diplomatic consultations between New Delhi and Tehran as the crisis deepens. It was also the third exchange between the two ministers since hostilities escalated, reflecting India’s effort to maintain communication with key countries involved in the conflict.
India calls for restraint and dialogue
India supports de-escalation and diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis. The external affairs minister said the government is closely watching developments given the region’s importance for India’s diaspora, energy security and trade.
The Gulf region accounts for roughly $200 billion in annual trade with India, while millions of Indians living there contribute significantly through remittances.
Several leaders in the Gulf region have assured New Delhi about the safety of the Indian community, during their conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While monitoring the evolving situation, the government has said its immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety of Indian citizens and facilitating the return of those who wish to travel back home.
