India’s Largest Repatriation Drive in Years: What You Need to Know

India’s massive repatriation exercise comes against the backdrop of escalating instability in West Asia, where conflict and airspace disruptions have complicated travel and safety for expatriates.

In an inter-ministerial briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that conditions remain “highly fluid” and require constant monitoring and rapid response.

MEA Joint Secretary (Gulf) Aseem Mahajan said, “We continue to monitor developments in West Asia. We are in constant touch with States and Union Territories, and our Mission posts are helping people round the clock.”

How many Indians have returned so far?

The scale of the operation has been unprecedented in recent years. Since February 28, around 9,84,000 Indian passengers have been brought back to India.

Mahajan confirmed the numbers, stating, “Since February 28, around 9,84,000 passengers have returned. Our efforts are focused on keeping people safe, with dedicated control rooms issuing updated advisories containing information related to local government guidelines, flight status, and travel situations.”

How is India managing such a complex evacuation?

Indian missions across West Asia have shifted to emergency mode, operating to coordinate evacuations, provide consular services, and assist stranded nationals.

Officials said these missions are “operating round the clock to support Indian nationals, with special focus on passenger movement, consular assistance, and travel coordination across affected regions.”

The government is also working closely with Indian community organisations, companies, and professional groups to address challenges on the ground.

“Our consular services are supporting Indian communities on the ground. We are also engaged with Indian community organisations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns. Our missions are extending assistance and facilitating communication with families in India,” Mahajan added.

What is the status of flights and airspace in the region?

Air travel remains one of the biggest challenges, with different countries in the region operating under varying restrictions.

Mahajan explained, “On flight operations, services continue from regions where airspace is open. Since February, around 9,84,000 passengers have been facilitated. Airlines continue to offer limited non-scheduled commercial flights between the UAE and India. Today, around 100 flights are expected to operate between the UAE and India.”

The situation varies across countries. “Flights are also operating from Saudi Arabia and Oman. Qatar's airspace is partially open. Kuwait airspace remains closed due to restrictions, but connectivity to India continues via Saudi Arabia. Bahrain airspace is open, and Gulf Air is operating via Dammam. Iraq airspace is open with restricted operations, with connectivity via Jordan and Saudi Arabia.”

What alternative routes are being used?

With several airspaces restricted, India has relied on alternative travel corridors to ensure evacuation continuity.

“So far, 2,323 Indian nationals have been assisted in travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan onward. This includes 1,028 students and 657 Indian fishermen. Israel's airspace is partially open,” Mahajan said.

These routes have been particularly crucial for vulnerable groups and those in high-risk zones.

Who are the priority groups in this evacuation?

The government has prioritised assistance for vulnerable populations, including students and fishermen stranded in difficult conditions.

Out of those evacuated through alternative corridors, 1,028 were students and 657 were fishermen, reflecting a targeted approach to high-risk groups.

How is the government supporting families back home?

Beyond physical evacuation, authorities are focused on maintaining communication between stranded individuals and their families in India.

Dedicated control rooms and mission posts are issuing real-time advisories, ensuring families stay informed about travel updates, safety guidelines, and return timelines.

Even as nearly one million Indians have returned, the operation is far from over. The government has kept contingency systems fully active to respond to any escalation in the region.

(With inputs from ANI)