Iran Conflict: MEA Expresses Grave Concern; Tourists Stranded in Bahrain Appeal to PM Modi

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and the Gulf region following the outbreak of conflict on February 28.

"We had expressed our deep concern at the commencement of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on 28 February 2026. Even at that time, India had urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. Unfortunately, in the holy month of Ramadan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and continuously," the official spokesperson for the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry noted that in recent days, the conflict has intensified and spread to other nations, causing mounting destruction and deaths, and bringing normal life and economic activities to a halt.

The safety of Indians overseas continues to be India's priority, with nearly one crore Indian citizens living and working in the Gulf region.

How Is India Ensuring the Safety and Well-Being of Its Nationals in the Gulf?

"Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” the Ministry said.

“Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography. Any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy. As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping,” it added.

“Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few days," the Ministry said.

India strongly reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the need for an early end to the conflict.

"Already, many lives have been regrettably lost and we express our grief in that regard. Indian Embassies and Consulates in the affected countries remain in close touch with Indian nationals and community organizations, issuing regular advisories as appropriate, the statement read.

What Steps Is India Taking to Monitor the Escalating Situation in Iran and the Gulf?

“They have also extended all possible help to those stranded by the conflict. The Embassies and Consulates will continue to be proactive in addressing various consular aspects of this conflict," the statement added.

The Ministry confirmed that the Indian government remains in touch with regional governments and other key partners.

"The Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have held discussions with their counterparts. The government will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and take relevant decisions in the national interest," the statement said.

The conflict has widened following US-Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury/ Roaring Lion, which targeted locations across Iran and resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Commander, Ayatollah Khamenei.

What Challenges Are Indians Facing in Bahrain During the Escalating Tensions?

A group of tourists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including Hyderabad resident Salmon Raj, have sought urgent assistance from the Central and State governments after being stranded in Bahrain amid the escalating tensions.

The group had traveled to Bahrain on February 24 for a four-day trip but were unable to return due to airport closures and flight cancellations.

In a video message, Salmon Raj appealed for immediate evacuation. "We are requesting the Government of India and the Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for help,” he said.

“We came here on a tourist visa, and when we went to the airport to return, bombs were falling, and missiles were being fired. The check-in counters were closed, and there was no proper response," Raj added.

Describing the situation as very dangerous, he added that several elderly people in the group are struggling without access to essential medicines.

"Some of us have diabetes and high blood pressure. Without prescriptions, medicines are not being given here. We are staying in crowded apartments, and our condition is terrible. Telugu people here are somehow providing us one meal a day," he said.

Raj urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to intervene.

"We request you to arrange safe transport for us back to our homeland at the earliest," he said.

An elderly woman in the group echoed the plea, saying their funds have been exhausted. "All our money is finished. It is difficult even to eat. Our families in India are worried. Please help us return home," she said.

Another 73-year-old woman added that her medicines for blood pressure and diabetes had run out. "They are not giving medicines without a prescription. Please show compassion and help us reach home quickly," she appealed.

(With inputs from ANI)