New Delhi: As hostilities intensify between the United States, Israel and Iran, India is confronting a mounting humanitarian and diplomatic challenge: ensuring the safety of nearly 10 million Indian nationals living and working across West Asia. Despite growing anxiety, New Delhi has not yet announced a comprehensive evacuation strategy, largely due to restricted airspace and limited alternative travel options.
Over the past day, governments in Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have separately assured External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that the Indian diaspora in their countries will be protected. A significant portion of these expatriates are employed in construction, healthcare, domestic work and other essential sectors.
However, with several key air corridors shut and commercial flights suspended or diverted, immediate evacuation appears logistically complex. Officials indicated that Indian nationals in Israel may use the land border to cross into Jordan, recalling a similar route that was utilised during the regional unrest in mid-2025.
In Iran, where around 10,000 Indians are estimated to be residing, an advisory was issued earlier urging citizens to leave at the earliest possible opportunity through available channels. During last year’s flare-up, Indian nationals were evacuated from Iran through Armenia via land routes.
The situation has sparked concern back home. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the evacuation of nearly 1,200 Kashmiri students currently studying in Iran. Families of expatriates across the country are also expressing growing worry.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi described the regional developments as “volatile” and stated that the Centre is closely monitoring events while working to safeguard Indian citizens. Echoing similar concerns, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Prime Minister, highlighting distress among families in Kerala, a state with a substantial expatriate population in the Gulf.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Indian missions across the region remain in constant contact with community members and have issued advisories urging vigilance. Citizens have been advised to adhere to local safety protocols and maintain communication with embassies and consulates.
In a related development, the Central Board of Secondary Education has deferred Class X and XII board examinations scheduled for March 2 in select West Asian countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, citing prevailing security concerns.
The crisis has also disrupted global aviation networks. Several international airlines have cancelled, rerouted or delayed flights to avoid sensitive airspace, affecting major transit hubs such as Dubai.
Meanwhile, India has extended support to foreign nationals stranded within its borders due to travel disruptions. In an advisory issued on March 1, the Ministry of External Affairs urged affected individuals to approach their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for assistance with visa extensions or to regularise their stay. Authorities have assured that cases will be handled individually to prevent inadvertent visa overstays.
While diplomatic outreach and monitoring continue, the absence of a clear evacuation framework underscores the scale and complexity of the situation. With millions of lives potentially at risk, India’s response in the coming days will be closely watched both at home and abroad.
