New Delhi, March 7: The Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, particularly concerning the welfare of Indian citizens stranded during transit or on short visits.
All Indian nationals in the region are advised to follow the guidelines issued by local authorities as well as the advice provided by the Indian embassy or consulate at their location. Each embassy and consulate in these countries has issued detailed advisories and established a 24/7 helpline to assist with concerns arising from the current situation.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a dedicated control room to monitor and respond to queries from affected individuals and their families.
Following the partial reopening of airspace in the region over the past few days, both Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including unscheduled flights, to facilitate the return of Indian travelers who are in transit or on short trips to these countries. So far, over 52,000 Indians have utilized these flights to safely return to India from the Gulf region between March 1 and March 7, 2026, with 32,107 having traveled on Indian airlines. More flights are planned to commence in the coming days.
For Indian citizens in countries where commercial flights are not available, it is advised to contact the respective embassy or consulate for information and advice on the nearest available commercial flight options.
The safety and welfare of Indian citizens abroad remain the government’s top priority, and it continues to work closely with governments across the region to provide assistance to those in need.