The Ministry of External Affairs has disclosed that nearly 375,000 passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28 due to escalating regional tensions. Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary for Gulf Affairs, provided this update during an interministerial briefing. He noted that airlines are currently conducting limited, non-scheduled flights between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India, dictated by operational and safety considerations. On Monday, approximately 95 such flights are anticipated to operate from various airports in the UAE to India.

Ongoing Flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia

Mahajan emphasized that flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India continue uninterrupted, while the airspace over Qatar remains partially accessible. Qatar Airways is expected to conduct around 8 to 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India on the same day. However, it was noted that airspaces in Kuwait and Bahrain are currently closed due to the conflict.

The situation has also prompted India to aid its nationals stranded in Iran through alternative routes that include Armenia and Azerbaijan. Mahajan mentioned that several Indian students residing in cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz have been relocated to safer areas. To date, 1,031 Indians, comprising 707 students and 324 other citizens, have successfully exited Iran with the assistance of the Indian mission.

Context of the Ongoing Conflict

This development occurs in the context of heightened conflict in the region, triggered by the recent assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran, which took place during coordinated military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel. In retaliation, Iran has targeted assets of both the United States and Israel in multiple Gulf nations, resulting in significant disruptions to maritime routes, which has implications for international energy markets and global economic stability.

The conflict has led to a near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities, which is a critical transit point for global oil shipments. This move has raised concerns over shipping security and the potential for further escalation in the region.

Continued Monitoring by the Indian Government

The Indian government remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the developments in West Asia while providing necessary assistance to affected citizens. The situation continues to evolve, and steps have been taken to ensure the safety and repatriation of Indian nationals from conflict zones.

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