Government says prepared to bring back Indians stranded in Gulf nations

Pralhad Joshi (file image)

• India ready to evacuate citizens stranded in Gulf amid tensions
• PM Modi spoke with Saudi and Bahrain leaders on diaspora safety
• Gov't closely monitoring West Asia conflict for Indian safety

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Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Centre on Monday said it was prepared to bring back Indians stranded in Gulf nations, adding that it was in contact with Indian embassies in the region.

In a statement, union minister Pralhad Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.

“Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

In a post on X after the separate conversations with the two leaders, PM Modi said that India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He further thanked the two leaders ensuring the safety of the Indian diaspora, while also agreeing on “earliest restoration of regional peace.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, PM Modi underscored the seriousness of the situation in West Asia and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

Reassuring citizens, PM Modi said the government is closely monitoring developments in the region and is in contact with countries involved to protect Indian nationals. “We are working closely with every country to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals in the region,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid an intensifying conflict triggered by joint US–Israel military strikes on Iran that reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and members of his family on Sunday. In response, Iran launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting several Arab nations in the region as part of its retaliatory actions.