Over 11 Lakh Evacuated from West Asia Amid Ceasefire Window: MEA
India has facilitated the travel of over 11 lakh passengers from West Asia to the country amid ongoing regional tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial press briefing, Joint Secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan said the movement has been enabled through continuous flight operations and alternative travel routes as the two-week ceasefire window in the region approaches its end on April 22.
“Since February 28, around 11,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. Airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights based on operational and safety considerations,” he said.
Mahajan noted that flight operations are continuing from countries where airspace remains open, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Around 110 flights were expected to operate from the UAE to India on Monday, while Qatar Airways was scheduled to run 10 to 11 flights.
He added that Bahrain has reopened its airspace, with Gulf Air planning to begin limited operations, while flights are also being facilitated from Dammam in Saudi Arabia.
Providing an update on Iran, Mahajan said its airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. “Our embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate the movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India,” he said.
So far, 2,423 Indian nationals have been moved out of Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan, including 1,091 students and 657 fishermen.
Mahajan said Iraqi airspace is open with limited operations, while Israeli airspace has also reopened partially, allowing onward travel through Jordan and Egypt.
He noted that despite the closure of Kuwait’s airspace, non-scheduled commercial flights are being operated from Saudi Arabia to ensure connectivity.
The Ministry said it is closely monitoring developments in the region, with efforts focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals.
A dedicated control room has been set up at the Ministry, operating round-the-clock in coordination with Indian missions in the region to provide assistance and address queries.
The government is also extending support to Indian seafarers, including coordination with local authorities and facilitation of their return to India.
Meanwhile, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently visited Saudi Arabia, where discussions were held on regional developments and bilateral ties.
The Ministry underscored that India remains in active engagement with key stakeholders in the region, including Israel, Palestine, and Iran, to safeguard its strategic and economic interests.
With a large Indian diaspora in the Gulf and strong energy ties with the region, the government continues to prioritise safe evacuation and support measures during the evolving geopolitical situation.
-ANI
