‘Safety Of 1 Crore Indians Top Priority’: India Moves To Evacuate Citizens From War-Hit West Asia

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 01:12 IST

Dedicated control rooms and helplines will go live from March 4 to assist Indians stranded in West Asia as airspace closures disrupt flights.

Indians who were stranded in West Asia due to flight disruptions amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, upon their arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, in Mumbai. (IMAGE: PTI)

India is gearing up an evacuation plan with helplines for expatriates stranded in war-hit West Asia, as the conflict disrupts commercial flight operations across the Gulf region.

Top government sources told CNN-News18 that the safety and well-being of nearly one crore Indian citizens living and working in the Gulf remains the “highest priority” for the Government of India.

“The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is establishing dedicated control rooms from March 4, 2026, along with helplines to assist Indians stranded in Gulf countries where the ongoing conflict has disrupted flights,” sources said.

Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are in close touch with Indian nationals, issuing regular advisories and extending all possible assistance to those impacted by the escalating situation.

Sources said the government is prioritising the safe return of all affected citizens and is coordinating with missions abroad to track their whereabouts and estimate the number of Indians stranded in various countries.

Control rooms will operate in key locations including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran and Jordan, among other affected areas where airspace closures have halted commercial operations.

“This initiative aims to gather accurate data on stranded Indians and will enable the government to devise effective repatriation mechanisms once conditions allow,” sources said.

The Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and remains in constant touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safe return as soon as the situation stabilises.

“The focus remains on welfare, with special flights planned as soon as airspace reopens,” sources added.

Officials said the government is monitoring the evolving situation closely and will activate evacuation logistics in phases once civilian flight corridors are restored.

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