SRINAGAR: Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Government of India has facilitated the return of over 4.75 lakh Indian nationals from the Gulf and surrounding regions, while confirming casualties and injuries among citizens caught in the conflict zone, according to statements made in the Rajya Sabha.
Responding to multiple unstarred questions on April 2, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that more than one crore Indians are currently residing across West Asia, including major Gulf countries, many of whom have been affected by disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis, including the fallout of the Iran–Israel conflict.
The government confirmed that seven Indian nationals have lost their lives in recent hostilities — four in Oman, and one each in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq. One Indian is reported missing from a merchant vessel off the Oman coast, while several others have sustained injuries across Oman, UAE, Qatar, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Most of the injured are males in the 20–60 age group.
Providing a country-wise perspective, the government said the largest concentration of Indian nationals is in the UAE with about 43.26 lakh, followed by Saudi Arabia with 27.48 lakh. Kuwait hosts around 10.60 lakh Indians, while Qatar accounts for approximately 8.29 lakh and Oman about 6.75 lakh. Bahrain has around 3.15 lakh Indian nationals, while smaller populations are spread across Iran (0.90 lakh), Israel (0.42 lakh), Iraq (0.37 lakh) and Jordan (0.18 lakh). Very small Indian communities are also present in Yemen (0.04 lakh), Lebanon (0.015 lakh), and Syria and Palestine, where only a few dozen individuals are currently residing.
The crisis has significantly disrupted travel across the region, with airspace closures and flight cancellations affecting tourists, workers, students and pilgrims. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian missions have coordinated evacuation and transit efforts, enabling stranded nationals to return via regular and special commercial flights or through neighbouring countries where direct connectivity was unavailable.
As part of pre-emptive measures, nearly 800 Indian students were evacuated from Iran before the escalation intensified, following advisories issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Subsequent advisories facilitated relocation within Iran and exit through land borders for others.
To manage the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs established a dedicated 24×7 special control room and activated emergency helplines across embassies in the region. The control room alone handled over 1,100 calls and 265 emails from affected individuals and their families by March 26.
Indian embassies and consulates have been providing a range of assistance, including emergency travel documentation, medical support, temporary shelter, visa guidance and coordination for safe evacuation. Missions have also worked closely with local authorities and hospitals to monitor the condition of injured nationals and facilitate communication with their families in India.
The government said it has issued a series of advisories since late February, urging Indian nationals to adhere to local safety protocols and remain in contact with diplomatic missions. Coordination has also been intensified with aviation authorities to ensure the movement of stranded passengers.
In the maritime sector, Indian missions are working alongside the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers amid attacks on commercial vessels. Efforts include coordination with port authorities, coast guards and shipping agencies, as well as facilitating the repatriation of affected crew members.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals in the region, stating that all possible measures are being undertaken in coordination with host countries and relevant agencies.
