The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that over 9 lakh individuals have been brought back to India as part of ongoing evacuation efforts from West Asia and the Gulf region. This information was revealed by Aseem R. Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), during a briefing held in New Delhi on April 13. The government aims to ensure the safety and movement of the Indian community amid the evolving security situation in the area.

Mahajan noted that a dedicated control room within the Ministry is operational and coordinating activities with Indian missions abroad. He confirmed that these missions have set up round-the-clock helplines to assist citizens in need. Close communication is maintained with local governments to facilitate smooth travel for Indian nationals.

As of April 13, around 9 lakh 27 thousand people had returned to India since February 28. The Joint Secretary mentioned that approximately 100 flights are expected to operate from the United Arab Emirates to India today, indicating a robust resumption of air travel from the region.

Flight Operations and Updates

The brief also included pertinent updates on flight operations from various locations. According to Mahajan, numerous flights are departing from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations within India. With the reopening of Qatar’s airspace, Qatar Airways is anticipated to conduct between eight to ten flights to India on the same day.

Additionally, Bahrain’s airspace has reopened, and Gulf Air plans to initiate limited operations from Bahrain. Non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia are also facilitating travel to several Indian cities. The MEA continues its efforts to aid Indian nationals travelling from Bahrain via Saudi Arabia back to India.

In the context of conflict-affected zones, the MEA is facilitating evacuation from Israel and Iraq. The Israeli airspace is reportedly partially operational, allowing some restricted flights. Iraqi Airways has commenced flights to India as of the previous day. The Ministry is ensuring that Indian nationals can travel from these regions through intermediary locations such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Support for Indian Nationals Amid Regional Tensions

Mahajan reiterated the government’s commitment to monitoring the security landscape in West Asia and the Gulf region. He emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in these troubled areas. Ongoing efforts involve active engagement with various organisations and companies associated with the Indian diaspora.

Furthermore, the MEA is extending assistance to Indian crew members on vessels operating in the region, liaising with local authorities, providing consular support, and helping to arrange travel back to India. His statements come in light of the escalating tensions in the area, particularly following recent developments related to US-Iran relations.

As the situation evolves, the Ministry continues to adapt its strategies to provide effective support for those affected. The focus remains on ensuring that Indian nationals can return home safely and on maintaining open lines of communication to respond to any emerging challenges.

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