New Delhi, April 1: Approximately 598,000 passengers have returned to India as a result of the ongoing security challenges in West Asia and the Gulf region, according to a high-ranking official from the government. During a recent inter-ministerial briefing concerning the developments in West Asia, Aseem R Mahajan, the Additional Secretary for Gulf Affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs, provided this information. He highlighted the increasing number of flights operating between the UAE and India, a response to the evolving situation.

Mahajan noted that on February 28, the repatriation of passengers commenced, and efforts have continued to enhance flight availability. Limited non-scheduled flights are being arranged, ensuring safe transportation based on current operational assessments. Today, approximately 90 flights are anticipated to operate from the UAE to various Indian destinations.

Casualties from Recent Incident in Dubai

In a related incident, debris from an interception in Dubai resulted in minor injuries to two Indian nationals, one Bangladeshi national, and one Sri Lankan national. The injured individuals are receiving medical care, with one Indian national already discharged from the hospital. The Indian consulate in Dubai is actively involved, providing necessary support to the injured individuals and their families. Mahajan reassured that the consulate is maintaining close contact with the affected individuals and is promptly addressing their needs.

The authorities in Dubai confirmed that the incident occurred when debris from an interception fell onto residential areas in southern Dubai. In light of this situation, the Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the developments in the Gulf region and has established a special control room to assist Indian citizens and their families affected by the ongoing tensions.

Continued Efforts to Facilitate Travel

Furthermore, due to airspace restrictions, Indian nationals are being facilitated through alternate routes. For example, individuals traveling from Iran are being routed through Armenia and Azerbaijan, while those from Israel can travel via Egypt and Jordan. Indian citizens from Iraq can travel through Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Passengers from Kuwait and Bahrain are also being rerouted through Saudi Arabia to ensure their safe return to India.

With certain airspaces remaining closed, airlines such as Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air have begun non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to various locations in India. The partial reopening of Qatar’s airspace has allowed Qatar Airways to plan approximately eight to ten flights to India today.

Recent Deaths and Condolences Expressed

Mahajan also mentioned the arrival of the mortal remains of two Indian nationals who passed away recently: one died in an incident involving the vessel MT Safe Sea Vishnu off the coast of Iraq on March 11, and another in Kuwait on March 29. The Ministry has remained in ongoing contact with the families of the deceased, expressing heartfelt condolences during this difficult period.

The remarks come amidst a prolonged conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, which has now entered its second month. This situation has ongoing implications not only for the immediate region but also for global energy supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor these complex dynamics closely while supporting Indian nationals in the affected areas.

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