India evacuates 1,000 nationals from Doha as tensions rise in West Asia

Doha: Nearly 1,000 Indian nationals stranded in Doha, Qatar, have been evacuated over the past three days, authorities said on Monday, as tensions continue in parts of West Asia.

Special flights bring Indians back home

According to the Embassy of India in Doha, a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to New Delhi on Monday carried more than 300 stranded Indian passengers back to India.

The embassy said that close to 1,000 Indians who were in Doha on transit or short-term visits have departed for India on Qatar Airways flights during the last three days.

Officials expressed gratitude to the airline for supporting the evacuation effort and coordinating closely with the Indian embassy.

Humanitarian assistance provided

The embassy also thanked Qatar Airways for assisting in a humanitarian repatriation case, where the mortal remains of an Indian national who died of natural causes were transported to India along with family members.

Community volunteers from the Indian diaspora in Qatar also helped support the family during the process. More flights planned for stranded passengers

Authorities said three additional flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi are planned for March 10, and Indians currently stranded in Doha have been encouraged to make use of these services to return home.

Alternative travel route via Saudi Arabia

The embassy also noted that Indian nationals holding valid Saudi visas can travel through the Salwa border crossing into Saudi Arabia to board flights to India.

Several Indians have already used this route since the conflict began. The embassy has been assisting passengers who require Saudi visas for onward travel.

Officials also thanked Qatari and Saudi authorities for facilitating these arrangements.

The Indian embassy has urged members of the Indian community in Qatar to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by the Qatari Ministry of Interior.

It also advised people to avoid sharing photos or sensitive information related to the current situation on social media, and to rely only on verified sources of information.

Advisory for Indians in Iran

Separately, Indian authorities issued an advisory to Indian nationals currently in Iran, warning them not to approach land borders for travel without prior coordination with the Indian Embassy.

Officials cautioned that once a person exits Iranian territory, the embassy may not be able to assist if entry into a third country is denied.

The advisory emphasised that any travel towards border crossing points should be undertaken only after receiving explicit guidance from the embassy.
(With PTI inputs)