As the war between Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies, concerns have grown about the safety of foreign nationals living in the region, including thousands of Indians in Israel. The conflict, which began with large-scale US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has already caused heavy casualties. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, 787 people have been killed across Iran since the attacks began. However, the US-based rights group Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) has estimated a higher toll, saying 1,097 civilians, including 181 children, have died.
Amid the escalating conflict, a viral social media claim suggested that Indian nationals in Israel were denied access to bomb shelters and forced to sleep in subway stations. The claim triggered concern online and raised questions about the safety arrangements available to Indians living in the country. Here is what we know.
The viral claim about Indians being denied shelters
A social media post that gained widespread attention claimed that Indians in Israel had been denied access to bunkers and were forced to sleep in subways during the ongoing conflict.
The post was shared along with an image showing people lying on the floor inside what appeared to be a metro station. The caption accompanying the image said, “Indians sleeping in subways after denied access to shelters in bunkers in Israel.”
Indians sleeping in subways after denied access to shelters in bunkers in Israel. pic.twitter.com/ykRvHreo1D— Soft Spoken🔻 (@softspoken04) March 2, 2026
The claim quickly went viral, drawing more than three million views and triggering debate on social media.
However, there is no evidence confirming that the individuals seen in the image are exclusively Indian nationals. The photograph appears to show people from different backgrounds seeking refuge during the ongoing air raid alerts.
Why people are seen in metro stations
Israeli authorities have long designated certain underground spaces, including metro stations, as emergency shelters during wartime or missile attacks. These facilities are used by residents and foreign nationals alike when sirens are sounded.
Guy Nir, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in India, rejected the claim that Indians were denied access to shelters.
Responding to the viral posts, Nir clarified that the photograph circulating online does not support the narrative that Indians were excluded from safety spaces.
“People of all ethnicities” can clearly be seen in the image, he said.
He also explained that metro stations serve as recognised protection zones during emergencies in Israel.
In a post on social media platform X, Nir wrote, “Metro stations are designated and official safe spaces in Israel. Many of my Tel Aviv friends pass their nights there. And as you can see – Indian nationals are welcome, along with all nationals.”
FAKE NEWS You can clearly see in the picture people of all ethnicities. Metro stations are designated and official safe spaces in Israel. Many of my Tel-Aviv friends pass their nights there. And as you can see - Indian nationals are welcome, along with all nationals. https://t.co/kP8sPmZIOd — Guy Nir (@GuyNirIL) March 3, 2026
Indians living in Israel
Israel has a significant community with Indian links.
Available data suggests there are around 85,000 Jews of Indian origin living in Israel. In addition, approximately 18,000 Indian citizens currently reside in the country.
Most Indian nationals in Israel work as caregivers for elderly citizens. Others include diamond traders, technology professionals and students.
Because of the growing conflict, many of these residents have been closely following safety advisories issued by authorities.
Advisory issued by the Indian embassy
Soon after the conflict began, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to remain alert.
The embassy asked Indians to “exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times.”
It also advised residents to carefully follow all safety instructions issued by Israeli authorities, including guidance from the Home Front Command.
The advisory urged people to stay close to designated shelters and to ensure that they know the location of the nearest protected spaces near both their homes and workplaces.
In addition, Indians were advised to avoid unnecessary travel within Israel until the security situation improves.
India calls for peace
The war has rapidly escalated since the initial strikes on Iran. Reports say the attacks killed several senior Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further intensifying tensions across West Asia.
Iran has since carried out retaliatory strikes targeting American and Israeli linked facilities in the region, including bases in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the situation as “a matter of grave concern.”
He reiterated that India supports peace and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. The Indian government has also said it is working closely with countries in West Asia to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region.
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