NEW DELHI — Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday, March 1, 2026, issued a stern warning regarding the “turbulent” and “dangerous” conditions in West Asia, while reassuring the nation that the Centre is working tirelessly to evacuate Indian citizens. Speaking to reporters at the Rambhapuri Mutt in Chikkamagaluru, Joshi described the current regional conflict as highly volatile, noting that even commercial aviation has become a high-risk endeavour due to active hostilities and shuttered airspaces.
The Minister specifically highlighted the plight of several people from Karnataka, including JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda and his family, who are currently among those stranded in Dubai. “The situation there is very difficult. It has come to my attention that Kannada people are caught in this crisis,” Joshi stated, adding that he would personally take up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs and other high-level authorities upon his arrival in New Delhi later today.
Reflecting on the Modi government’s track record, Joshi reminded the public of successful past evacuations from conflict zones, asserting that the administration remains committed to a “zero-citizen-left-behind” policy. However, he cautioned that the immediate safety of flight paths is a major hurdle. “Currently, the situation is so unstable that even flying a plane in that region is dangerous,” he remarked, referring to the “Ghost Skies” phenomenon currently affecting the Persian Gulf and Levant.
The Minister’s comments come as India grapples with the fallout of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. With major hubs like Dubai International Airport facing drone threats and several Indian students and professionals stuck in transit, the government is reportedly exploring alternative “safe corridors” and potential sea-evacuation routes. Joshi concluded by assuring families that monitoring is constant and that every possible diplomatic and logistical resource is being deployed to ensure the safe homecoming of all trapped nationals.
