New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Friday that six Indian nationals have died and one remains missing across the Gulf region as the conflict in West Asia continues to disrupt the lives of expatriates.

Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan, speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, stated that Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating with local authorities to locate the missing individual and expedite the repatriation of the deceased.

"Six Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives, and one is missing in various incidents. Our missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and UAE are in regular touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for the early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals to India," Mahajan said.

Repatriation and Air Travel Status

Despite the casualties, the ministry reported a gradual improvement in the regional travel situation. Since Feb. 28, approximately 300,000 passengers have successfully returned to India from the Gulf.

"Situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region," Mahajan noted. He added that United Arab Emirates-based carriers are maintaining limited, non-scheduled operations based on "operational and safety considerations," with roughly 90 flights expected to depart for India today.

The status of regional airspace remains a patchwork of restrictions and partial openings:

  • Qatar: With airspace partially reopened, Qatar Airways is scheduled to operate 10 non-scheduled commercial flights to India on Friday.
  • Oman and Saudi Arabia: Commercial flights to India are continuing from both nations.
  • Kuwait: Airspace remains closed. To assist stranded citizens, Kuwait Airways is launching special non-scheduled flights from Al Qaisumah-Hafar Al Batin Airport in Saudi Arabia, with the inaugural flight bound for Kochi on Friday. "This will facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Kuwait to India," Mahajan said.
  • Bahrain: Airspace remains restricted. Gulf Air is currently operating special non-scheduled flights out of Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia to support Indian passengers.

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the safety of the millions of Indian workers residing in the region as military tensions persist.

With inputs from ANI