Over 52,000 Indians returned home from crisis-hit West Asia since March 1, says MEA

Ministry of External Affairs.

The External Affairs Ministry on Saturday said more than 52,000 Indians stranded in West Asia have returned on commercial flights during March 1-7 and more flights are planned in the coming days. MEA's statement comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions over the Iran-US conflict.

The government is monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the welfare of Indian nationals who have been stranded during transit or on short duration visits, the ministry said in a statement.

“By now, more than 52,000 Indians have availed of these flights and travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1-7,” read the statement. Out of the total number, 32107 travelled on Indian carriers. “More flights are planned in the coming days,” the ministry said giving the detailed break-up.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that the safety of more than 10 million Indian nationals in West Asia and the maintenance of energy and trade supply chains since Israel and the US launched military strikes on Iran last month.

Following the partial opening of airspace across West Asia in the past few days, Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers in transit or on short-term visits, the ministry reaffirmed in its statement.

The ministry also advised all Indian nationals in West Asia to follow guidelines from local authorities and advisories issued by Indian embassies or consulates. Indian missions in these countries have issued detailed advisories and set up 24x7 helplines to address concerns on account of the ongoing situation.