Massive Repatriation Effort: 375,000 Indians Return from West Asia Amid Escalating Conflict
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has disclosed that approximately 375,000 passengers have safely returned to India from West Asia since February 28, 2026, as regional tensions continue to escalate. This significant repatriation effort was highlighted during an interministerial briefing in New Delhi, where MEA Joint Secretary (Gulf), Aseem Mahajan, provided detailed updates on the ongoing crisis.
Flight Operations and Airspace Status in Gulf Nations
Airlines are operating limited, non-scheduled flights between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India, based on stringent operational and safety considerations. On Monday, March 23, around 95 such flights were expected to operate from various UAE airports to India, facilitating the return of stranded citizens.
Flight operations from Oman and Saudi Arabia to India are continuing without major disruptions. However, the situation remains fluid, with Qatar's airspace partially open. Qatar Airways is anticipated to operate approximately 8 to 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India. In contrast, airspaces in Kuwait and Bahrain remain closed due to the conflict, impacting travel routes and logistics.
Assistance for Indians in Iran and Regional Impact
The MEA is actively facilitating the movement of Indian nationals stranded in Iran through alternative routes via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Several Indian students in cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz have been relocated to safer areas as a precautionary measure. To date, 1,031 Indians, including 707 students and 324 other citizens, have crossed out of Iran with assistance from Indian missions.
This development follows the escalation of conflict that began on February 28, triggered by the killing of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries, leading to disruptions in waterways and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.
Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, exacerbating regional tensions and complicating evacuation efforts. The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing necessary support to affected citizens and coordinating with international partners to ensure safe passage.
The repatriation numbers underscore India's robust response to the crisis, with authorities working tirelessly to bring citizens home amid challenging circumstances. As the conflict persists, further updates on flight operations and safety measures are expected from the MEA.
