Over 130,000 Indians Evacuated from West Asia Amid Security Crisis: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has disclosed that approximately 130,000 Indian nationals have safely returned to India since February 28, 2026. This significant repatriation effort comes in response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation across West Asia and the Gulf region.
Official Briefing Highlights Repatriation Progress
During an Inter-Ministerial Briefing held on Friday, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan provided comprehensive updates on the ongoing evacuation operations. "Since February 28th, around 130,000 Indian nationals have returned to India," Mahajan stated, emphasizing the scale of the government's response to the regional instability.
Detailed Airspace and Flight Operations Update
The MEA official elaborated on the current flight and airspace conditions affecting Indian citizens in various Gulf countries:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): Regular non-scheduled commercial flights are operational from multiple airports, with improved availability facilitating travel.
- Qatar: Approximately 2,900 Indians have returned via Qatar Airways flights in recent days, with additional repatriations routed through Saudi Arabia. Daily Qatar Airways flights to India are scheduled for the coming days.
- Saudi Arabia: Airspace remains open with Air India Express and Indigo initiating operations from Riyadh. Regular flights continue from Jeddah, Madinah, and Dammam.
- Bahrain: Gulf Air has commenced operations from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi, transporting over 1,000 Indian nationals so far.
- Kuwait: With Kuwaiti airspace closed, Jazeera Airways is operating from Saudi Arabia's AQI airport, with anticipated flights to India soon.
- Iraq: Although Iraqi airspace is closed, the Indian government is facilitating travel for citizens through Saudi Arabia.
Humanitarian Aspects and Challenges
Mahajan also addressed sensitive humanitarian matters during the briefing. He confirmed the unfortunate deaths of two Indian nationals in Muscat and provided updates on the Safesea Vishnu situation. Efforts are actively underway to repatriate 15 Indian nationals and bring back the mortal remains of one deceased citizen, highlighting the complex challenges faced during such crises.
Geopolitical Context of the Crisis
The massive evacuation operation unfolds against a backdrop of severe regional tensions that escalated dramatically on February 28. Joint US-Israeli military operations resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering widespread instability across West Asia and the Gulf.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and American assets throughout several Gulf nations, disrupting crucial shipping routes and impacting global energy markets. As the conflict enters its fourteenth day, continuous exchanges of fire persist, with Iran threatening to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a move that would severely disrupt energy supplies to numerous countries.
International Concerns and Diplomatic Appeals
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound concern about the escalating crisis on Thursday, warning that the situation presents a major threat to international peace and security. In a social media post, Guterres emphasized the immense civilian suffering caused by the unfolding conflict and urgently called for de-escalation and dialogue.
"De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," the UN chief asserted, urging all parties to immediately cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians, and return to negotiations. This diplomatic appeal underscores the global ramifications of the West Asia crisis and the critical need for peaceful resolution.
The Indian government's coordinated response demonstrates its commitment to citizen safety during international emergencies, with the MEA continuing to monitor developments and facilitate further repatriations as the security situation evolves.
