Flights, evacuations, safety: India’s full strategy amid Middle East crisis

As geopolitical tensions intensify across West Asia, India has moved swiftly to protect its citizens in the region. The crisis, centred around countries like Iran, has disrupted travel, raised security concerns, and prompted urgent government action.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a dedicated control room to monitor developments and coordinate evacuations of Indian nationals.

How many Indians have been evacuated so far?

According to officials, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has already facilitated the evacuation of 2,549 Indian nationals from Iran through land border routes.

Additional Secretary Aseem R Mahajan said the government is working “round-the-clock” to ensure safety and maintain communication with families and state authorities.

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

Mahajan provided a detailed update on regional connectivity, highlighting both challenges and improvements.

“Regarding the status of flights, the overall situation continues to improve. UAE airspace is open; Indian and UAE carriers are operating flights to various destinations in India. Flights are also operating from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Qatar airspace is partially open, with Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Qatar Airways operating flights. Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces are open. Iraq's airspace is open with limited flight operations. Iran's airspace is partially open; we have advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and urged those already there to leave with the support of our embassy. So far, our embassy in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,549 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes. Israel's airspace is open, and limited flight operations have resumed,” he said.

Is maritime trade and shipping affected?

Despite fears of maritime disruptions, the situation for Indian vessels remains stable for now.

Opesh Kumar Sharma from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that there have been no recent incidents involving Indian ships or seafarers.

“The Ministry of Port, Shipping, and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, our missions abroad, and all maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations. All Indian seafarers in the region are safe. There has been no incident involving Indian flag merchant vessels or Indian seafarers on foreign flag merchant vessels in the past three days,” he said.

How is the government assisting stranded Indians and families?

The government has activated multiple helplines and coordination channels to respond to concerns.

Sharma highlighted the scale of outreach: “The control room set up at DG Shipping has handled about 8,889 calls and more than 19,758 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 21 calls and 112 emails were received. Over the past 72 hours, a total of 152 calls and 444 emails have been received. The Ministry, through the Director General of Shipping and in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,096 seafarers so far, including 27 in the past 24 hours and 77 in the last 72 hours from various locations across the Gulf. Port operations across India remain normal, and no congestion has been reported,” he said.

What is the MEA saying about the evolving situation?

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that the government is closely monitoring developments.

“We are following developments in the West Asia region and, as and when we have those developments to bring before you, we have been issuing statements and press releases to keep you abreast,” Jaiswal said.

Mahajan reiterated ongoing coordination. “The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Our efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of the large Indian community in the region. We are in constant touch with state governments and Union Territories for sharing information and coordinating our efforts. The dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families,” he said.

What role are Indian embassies playing on the ground?

Indian missions across the region are operating 24/7 to assist citizens.

Mahajan explained their efforts in detail. “Our embassies and consulates in the region are operating round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance. They are proactively assisting our citizens and remaining in close touch with local governments. Regular advisories are being issued, including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, consular services, and various welfare measures. Our missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community, interacting with associations, organisations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns. The welfare of Indian seafarers is a high priority, and our missions are extending all assistance, including coordination with local authorities and assisting with requests to return to India,” he said.

What is happening on the geopolitical front?

The crisis also has a diplomatic dimension. Iran has indicated a possible willingness to de-escalate tensions but has placed conditions on the United States, including ending what it calls a “one-sided approach,” lifting economic blockades, halting “maritime piracy,” and releasing frozen assets.

What is the key takeaway?

India’s response reflects a multi-layered strategy—evacuations, real-time monitoring, diplomatic engagement, and logistical coordination—aimed at ensuring citizen safety while maintaining stability in trade and transport links.

(With inputs from ANI)