New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma/Gurpreet Singh): The deepening confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran has placed India before a formidable challenge: protecting an estimated 10 million citizens spread across West Asia. With air routes disrupted and tensions rising across the Gulf, New Delhi is navigating a complex diplomatic and logistical landscape, even as no large-scale evacuation plan has been formally announced.
In the past 24 hours, senior officials from Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have conveyed assurances regarding the well-being of Indian nationals residing in their territories. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has remained in contact with regional counterparts, seeking continued guarantees for the sizeable Indian workforce that underpins key sectors in these economies.
Despite the reassurances, practical hurdles remain significant. Closure of sensitive air corridors has disrupted commercial aviation, and alternative routes are limited. Government sources indicated that Indians currently in Israel may consider crossing into Jordan by land if required, an option previously exercised during earlier phases of instability in the region.
In Iran, where roughly 10,000 Indian citizens are believed to be present, authorities had earlier issued an advisory urging them to depart using available means. During last year’s crisis, evacuation was facilitated through neighbouring Armenia via land passage, highlighting the possibility of similar contingency measures if conditions worsen.
Concern is growing within India, particularly among families with relatives in affected areas. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting urgent steps to bring home nearly 1,200 Kashmiri students studying in Iran. The appeal reflects the unease felt by parents as regional uncertainty continues.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi described the security environment as fluid and unpredictable, stating that the Centre is reviewing developments continuously. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also written to the Prime Minister, underlining the anxiety among expatriate families in his state, which has a large diaspora presence in Gulf nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs has said Indian embassies and consulates across West Asia are maintaining close contact with community representatives and have advised nationals to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement and follow guidance issued by local authorities.
The crisis has spilled over into the education sector as well. The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed scheduled Class X and XII board examinations in several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, citing prevailing circumstances.
Global travel has also felt the impact. Airlines are rerouting flights to avoid conflict-prone airspace, leading to cancellations and delays at key transit hubs in the Gulf region.
Additionally, India has offered support to foreign nationals stranded within the country due to travel disruptions. In a recent advisory, the Ministry urged such individuals to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office to seek assistance with visa extensions or to regularise their stay.
As the situation remains volatile, India’s diplomatic outreach and contingency planning are being closely monitored. With millions of livelihoods and families at stake, the coming days will test both regional stability and India’s capacity to respond swiftly if conditions deteriorate further.
