By estimate, there are more than eight lakh Indians living and working in the small Middle Eastern country of Qatar. This is why Delhi is closely monitoring the current situation in the state, where the Indian Embassy has asked the community to be cautious after Iran launched a military attack on Monday night on a U.S. base in Qatar.

The Indian Embassy in Doha said, “In view of the ongoing situation, the Indian community in Qatar is urged to be cautious and remain indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions, and guidance provided by Qatari authorities. The Embassy will also keep updating through our social media channels.”

The Indian community comprises the largest expat group in Qatar, which has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

US Military Base Attacked

On Monday, Iran launched a missile attack on a United States military base in Qatar as retaliation for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the region. Iran targeted the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the region. The attack was criticised by Qatari authorities, who said they successfully intercepted the missiles and that no casualties were reported.

Soon after the attack, the Gulf nation of Bahrain — home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters — temporarily suspended flights in its airspace, a move similar to what Qatar did shortly before it was hit.

According to Iran, the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. on its nuclear site. However, the country also signaled that the targeting of the base was carried out in a manner that avoided populated areas.