On March 7, 2026, the Indian government reiterated its continuous monitoring of the escalating conflict in West Asia, particularly focusing on the safety and well-being of Indian nationals stranded in the region amid the ongoing hostilities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a late-night statement highlighting the significant efforts underway to facilitate the return of Indian citizens from affected areas, especially following the partial reopening of airspace across West Asia.
The conflict has intensified as the United States and Israel continue their air strikes targeting Iranian military installations, triggering retaliatory missile attacks by Iran against Israeli positions and U.S. military bases throughout the region. This volatile security situation has disrupted normal travel and posed considerable risks to foreign nationals, including tens of thousands of Indians residing or traveling temporarily in Gulf countries and neighboring states.
In response to these challenges, Indian authorities have coordinated with airlines and regional governments to reinstate commercial flight operations, including non-scheduled services, to allow safe passage for Indian travellers. According to the MEA, more than 52,000 Indians have successfully flown back home between March 1 and March 7, 2026. Of these, over 32,000 passengers traveled on Indian carriers, reflecting the government's priority in utilizing national airlines for repatriation efforts. Additional flights are planned in the coming days to further assist those still stranded.
The government has urged all Indian citizens currently in West Asia to strictly adhere to local authority guidelines and to stay updated with advisories issued by Indian diplomatic missions in the region. Indian embassies and consulates have been proactive in issuing detailed safety instructions and have established 24x7 helplines to provide assistance and information. For Indians in countries where commercial flights remain suspended, the MEA has advised contacting the nearest Indian diplomatic mission to explore alternative travel options or receive guidance on the safest possible routes home.
The safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad have been emphasized as a top priority by the government throughout this crisis. The MEA continues to engage closely with regional governments to facilitate evacuation efforts and provide support to those affected. This collaborative approach aims to minimize disruptions and ensure that Indians stranded in conflict zones receive timely help.
Photographs from recent repatriation flights show Indian travellers arriving safely at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on special flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These images underscore the scale and urgency of the government’s response to the evolving conflict situation in West Asia.
This crisis highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where the Israel-Iran confrontation has drawn in international actors and intensified regional instability. India, with its large diaspora and significant economic ties to Gulf countries, finds itself actively involved in managing the consequences of this conflict on its citizens.
The MEA’s communications reflect a dual focus: managing immediate humanitarian concerns while carefully navigating complex diplomatic relations amidst ongoing military actions. Indian authorities continue to monitor developments closely and remain ready to adjust their response as needed to safeguard the interests of their nationals.
In the meantime, Indian travellers and expatriates in West Asia are advised to maintain vigilance, follow instructions from local governments and Indian missions, and seek assistance promptly if needed. The government has called for calm and cooperation during this challenging period as efforts to restore normalcy and secure safe passage continue.
This ongoing situation remains fluid, and the Indian government has committed to providing regular updates to keep citizens informed. The priority remains clear: ensuring the safe return of Indians caught in the crossfire while preserving India’s diplomatic engagement in a highly sensitive regional conflict.