West Asia crisis: India monitors situation as 52,000 return, MEA urges safety compliance

India says it is closely monitoring the West Asia and Gulf situation, prioritising the safety of its citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs reports more than 52,000 Indians have returned following partial airspace reopening. Indian nationals are urged to follow local authority guidance and advisories issued by Indian missions as regional security remains volatile.

India said it is tracking the West Asia situation as fighting continues across the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) focused on Indians stranded during transit or short visits. The ministry asked Indian nationals to follow local rules and mission advisories. It also said it is working with regional governments to help people needing support.

In a late night statement, the MEA said more than 52,000 Indians have returned to India. The returns followed a partial reopening of airspace in recent days. The ministry said airlines are running commercial and non-scheduled flights. It added that more flights are expected in the coming days.

West Asia situation and Indian nationals

The MEA said the security situation remains precarious in West Asia and the Gulf. The US and Israel continued bombardment of Iranian targets. Tehran responded with strikes on Israeli positions. Iran also targeted US military bases across the region.

The MEA said it is "continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region\". The focus is on the welfare of Indians stranded there. The ministry said many were caught while transiting or travelling briefly. It said the government remains engaged with governments across the region.

MEA advisories and helplines for Indian nationals

The MEA urged Indians in the region to follow local authority guidelines. It also asked them to track advisories from the Indian embassy or consulate. The ministry said missions have issued detailed guidance for travellers. It added that 24x7 helplines were set up to support Indian nationals.

Between March 1-7, more than 52,000 Indians travelled safely from the Gulf region to India. The MEA said 32,107 of them flew on Indian carriers. It said Indian and foreign airlines are operating after the partial airspace opening. The flights included non-scheduled services for stranded passengers.

The MEA said some countries still lack commercial flight operations. In such places, Indians were advised to contact the concerned embassy or consulate. The ministry said missions can share information on the nearest available commercial flight options. It repeated that the safety and welfare of Indians abroad remains a top priority.

With inputs from PTI