Over 52,000 Indians Return From West Asia Amid Crisis, Says MEA
New Delhi: More than 52,000 Indian nationals have returned to India from the Gulf and West Asia between March 1 and March 7 as regional tensions disrupted travel in parts of the Middle East. According to a report, the update was shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (India) (MEA) in an official statement on Saturday.
The ministry stated that thousands of Indians who were stranded in the region have been able to travel back to India using commercial flights. The return of passengers took place during the first week of March as airlines resumed operations following a partial reopening of airspace across parts of West Asia.
According to the MEA post shared on X, over 52,000 passengers had already reached India during this period. Among them, 32,107 travellers used Indian carriers, while the remaining passengers returned on flights operated by foreign airlines. Authorities indicated that additional flights are being planned in the coming days to assist more citizens who may still be affected by the evolving situation.
Update on Situation in West Asia and the Gulf Region
đź”— https://t.co/CBIcwJ1bSg pic.twitter.com/cEbGOijnrR— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 7, 2026
The ministry also emphasised that the government is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, particularly in relation to the safety and welfare of Indian nationals. Officials said the focus remains on assisting those who were stranded during transit or travelling in the region for short-term visits when disruptions occurred.
The statement from the MEA comes amid heightened tensions in the region following military strikes involving Israel, the United States and Iran last month. The government has repeatedly highlighted that the safety of more than 10 million Indians living in West Asia remains a top priority.
In addition, Indian missions and consulates across the region have issued advisories urging citizens to follow guidance from local authorities. Embassies have also set up round-the-clock helplines to assist Indians facing difficulties due to the ongoing situation.
Officials reiterated that New Delhi continues to track developments closely while ensuring travel arrangements and assistance for Indian nationals affected by the crisis.
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