Nearly 200,000 Indian nationals have returned home from West Asia since tensions escalated following military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Among the latest movements, around 90 Indians have crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan with assistance from the Indian embassy in Tehran, officials said. And over 550 Indian nationals in Iran have crossed over into Armenia through the land border.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said “Movements into Azerbaijan and Armenia have been facilitated by our embassy in Tehran, including help with visas and immigration formalities.”
During an inter-ministerial briefing on the developments in West Asia, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Aseem Mahajan, also shared the latest update on the flight and airspace situation in the region.
“In Saudi Arabia, flights are operating from various airfields to destinations. Flights are also operating from Oman to various destinations in India. Qatar airspace is partially open with Qatar Airways operating flights to India today and tomorrow. Three flights are expected to operate to different destinations in India,” he said.
Large-scale Return
The movement from Iran is part of a much larger wave of returns from the broader West Asia and Gulf region since tensions surged following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel earlier this year.
Officials estimate that close to 130,000 to 200,000 Indian nationals returned to India from the Gulf region and West Asia following escalating security tensions and the disruption of air travel.
Many travellers have been using commercial flights from countries where airspace remains open, while others are transiting through alternative routes arranged with assistance from Indian missions.
Airspace Disruptions
Air travel across parts of West Asia has been severely disrupted since the outbreak of the conflict.
Flights continue to operate from airports in the United Arab Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah, though on limited or revised schedules following instructions from civil aviation authorities.
Air connections from Saudi Arabia and Oman remain operational, allowing many Indians to travel home. Meanwhile, the airspace over Qatar has partially reopened, with limited flights operated by Qatar Airways, including services to Delhi.
For Indian nationals stranded in Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, where airspace restrictions remain in place, authorities are facilitating travel through Saudi Arabia.
Indian diplomatic missions across West Asia have activated round-the-clock assistance mechanisms to support citizens affected by the crisis.
The MEA said embassies and consulates are operating 24-hour helplines, maintaining contact with community organisations and coordinating closely with local authorities to assist stranded Indians and short-term visitors.
Support includes visa assistance, travel logistics and help with transit arrangements for those attempting to leave conflict zones.
Casualties, Missing Nationals
Five Indian nationals have died in separate incidents during the hostilities, while one individual remains missing.
Indian missions in Oman, Iraq and the UAE are in touch with local authorities regarding the missing citizen and are working to facilitate the return of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives.
For India, officials say the immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety and evacuation of its citizens as the situation in the region continues to evolve.
“The safety, well-being and security of Indian nationals remain the Government’s highest priority,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
