India brings back 2.6 lakh people from West Asia as tensions escalate, flights from UAE continue

New Delhi: Amid the intensifying conflict in West Asia, around 2.6 lakh Indian nationals have returned from the region since February 28, the government said on Wednesday, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of citizens abroad.

Flight operations from the UAE and the Gulf remain steady

At an inter-ministerial briefing on the situation, Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated that approximately 70 flights operated from various UAE airports to India on Wednesday, providing crucial repatriation services.

He described the overall flight situation as reassuring, noting that additional flights have been scheduled to facilitate the return of stranded Indian nationals, including students, seafarers, and short-term visitors.

PM Modi speaks to the UAE President

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday.

During the call, Modi reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on the UAE, which have caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Both leaders emphasised the importance of safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and committed to continued collaboration for the restoration of peace, security, and stability in the region.

This marks Modi’s second discussion with the UAE President since the US-Israel attacks on Iran began, with Iran retaliating against Gulf nations hosting US military bases.

Assistance to Indian nationals in Iran and the Gulf

The Indian Embassy in Tehran is assisting citizens, particularly students, seeking transit to Armenia and Azerbaijan. The MEA urged all travellers to follow advisory guidelines for safe border crossings.

“The embassy has facilitated the relocation of several Indian students in Tehran, ensuring their safety amid rising tensions,” Mahajan said.

Education disruptions

Exams in multiple boards have been affected. CBSE class 10 and 12 exams were cancelled, as were ICSE and Kerala board exams. Boards will announce mark determination procedures in due course, he added.

Gulf airspace updates

While some airspace closures continue, operations are gradually improving. Qatar Airways is operating flights to nine Indian destinations, despite partial airspace restrictions. Kuwait’s airspace has remained closed since February 28, though special non-scheduled Jazeera Airways flights from Saudi Arabia are expected to bring stranded Indians home.

Monitoring developments and regional diplomacy

Mahajan emphasised that the MEA continues to monitor Gulf and West Asia developments closely, providing logistical support, consular services, and evacuation assistance to Indian nationals.

In response to US President Donald Trump’s remarks about NATO, Jaiswal noted India is aware of the reports but did not comment further on international military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.

PTI