India's Evacuation Efforts Succeed: 913 Nationals Exit Iran via Armenia, Azerbaijan
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced a significant milestone in its ongoing evacuation operations, confirming that 913 Indian citizens have successfully crossed from Iran into the neighboring countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan. This development marks a substantial increase in the number of nationals returning home through land routes, facilitated by the persistent efforts of Indian diplomatic missions in the region.
All Stranded Pilgrims Safely Returned
In a particularly heartening update, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that all 284 Indian pilgrims who were previously reported as stranded in Iran have now safely returned to India. This announcement brings relief to families and underscores the effectiveness of the coordinated rescue operations. Jaiswal emphasized that the evacuation process is continuing with unwavering assistance from Indian embassies and consulates, ensuring that more citizens can make their way back home.
Ongoing Assistance and Control Room Updates
The MEA's dedicated control room, established to manage the crisis, has been receiving a limited but steady stream of communications. According to Jaiswal, the control room recently handled 10 telephone calls and six emails, primarily concerning Indian citizens stranded on merchant ships in the affected areas. This highlights the broader scope of the evacuation efforts, which extend beyond land borders to maritime situations.
Challenges and Casualties in the Region
During an inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan provided a sobering update on the human cost of the ongoing West Asia conflict. He reported that six Indian nationals have tragically lost their lives in various incidents, with one individual still missing. Indian missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates are actively engaged with local authorities to locate the missing person and expedite the repatriation of the deceased's mortal remains to India.
Gradual Improvement in Travel from Gulf Region
Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining as travel conditions from the Gulf region show signs of gradual improvement. Mahajan noted that additional flights are now operating, contributing to a significant influx of returnees. Since February 28, approximately 300,000 passengers have returned to India from the Gulf, indicating a robust response to the evolving situation and the resilience of India's evacuation infrastructure.
The MEA's proactive measures and continuous updates reflect a committed approach to safeguarding Indian citizens abroad, with the latest figures demonstrating tangible progress in bringing people home safely.
