‘Concerned about safety of Indians’: Pinarayi Vijayan requests measures to protect Gulf expatriates

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Gulf following the US-Israel attack on Iran, urging the Central government to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijayan highlighted the anxiety among families of expatriates, particularly in Kerala, which has a significant diaspora spread across Gulf countries. He called for proactive measures, including arrangements for the safe evacuation of Indians if the situation deteriorates further.

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"I write this letter to share our apprehension on the situation consequent to the attack on Iran, which is now having its adverse impact on all the countries of the Gulf region,” Pinarayi stated. He emphasised that a large number of Keralites and other Indian nationals reside in the Gulf, and their relatives are increasingly worried about their safety and security.

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The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Union government is seriously assessing the situation and would take appropriate measures to protect Indian citizens. “At the moment, I am informing the Honourable Prime Minister about our anxiety about the safety and security of our nationals, among whom a large number are from Kerala,” he added.

Pinarayi Vijayan also assured that the Kerala government is ready to provide full support, including setting up helplines to enable relatives to stay in contact with expatriates during this period of uncertainty.

PTI