MEA Says 2.2 Lakh Indians Have Returned From Gulf Since West Asia Conflict Began

As tensions continue to escalate across West Asia, India has been quietly carrying out one of its largest civilian return operations in recent years.

More than 2.2 lakh Indians have already returned from Gulf countries since the conflict began, while others stranded in Iran have been evacuated through neighbouring nations. At the same time, the government is closely monitoring Indian vessels and energy shipments passing through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the scale of the crisis and its implications for India.

How Many Indians Have Returned From the Gulf So Far?

According to officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, about 2,20,000 Indians have returned to the country since February 28, when the conflict first erupted in the region.

Forty-five flights from Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are expected to land at various Indian airports on Monday.

Flights are also operating from Qatar after its airspace partially reopened.

Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said three flights are expected today and tomorrow to different destinations in India.

How Are Indians Being Evacuated From Iran?

Indian nationals stranded in Iran are being moved out through neighbouring countries as part of evacuation efforts coordinated by Indian diplomatic missions.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia through the land border, while around 90 Indians travelled into Azerbaijan from Iran.

Speaking at the inter-ministerial briefing, the MEA spokesperson said: “We also have had approximately 90 of our nationals from Iran cross over into Azerbaijan through the land border. These movements were facilitated by our embassy in Tehran. They helped them with visas, as well as with immigration formalities that were required. In this group of 550 people that I mentioned, who have crossed from Iran into Armenia, we also have 284 people who had gone to Iran on pilgrimage. These people are there right now in both these countries. Some of them have already returned, and others would be returning in the next few days or so. Our embassy in Tehran, in spite of all the difficulties, continues to be fully functional. For the last few days, they have also been able to relocate students who were outside Tehran to cities which are safer for them.”

What Has Happened to Indians Affected by Violence in the Region?

Indian officials confirmed that two Indian nationals were killed during an attack in Sohar earlier this month.

Aseem Mahajan said: “On March 13th, in an attack in Sohar city in Oman, unfortunately, two Indian nationals had lost their lives. The embassy of India in Muscat is in constant touch with the families of the deceased Indian nationals and is coordinating with the concerned Omani authorities. Their mortal remains are expected to be repatriated to India soon. None of the Indian nationals is seriously injured...”

What Is the Situation for Indian Ships and Energy Cargo?

India is also monitoring the safety of its merchant vessels and energy shipments in the Gulf region.

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed that an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker is currently sailing safely toward India.

“Indian-flag vessel 'Jag Laadki', which sailed from the UAE on 14th of March, is carrying about 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil, is safely en route to India. The vessel and all Indian seafarers on board are safe. They'll be reaching tomorrow at Mundra Port,” he said.

Sinha also spoke about the LPG carrier Shivalik LPG Carrier, which recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

“Shivalik LPG carrier, which sailed from the Persian Gulf, crossed the Strait of Hormuz and headed towards India, will be reaching today around 5 pm...”

He added that authorities have made arrangements to ensure the vessel can quickly unload its cargo upon arrival.

“Before its arrival, documentation, priority berthing, and everything have been arranged at the port so that there is no delay in the discharge of cargo by this vessel. All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf area are safe. No incident has been reported in the last 24 hours, and we are keeping a continuous watch on the situation. We are in touch with each vessel and its crew. 22 vessels, as was reported on Saturday, also. 22 Indian flag vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf,” Rajesh Kumar Sinha said.

How Is the Wider West Asia Situation Affecting Travel and Security?

The conflict has already disrupted aviation and security across parts of the Gulf.

Flights were briefly suspended at Dubai International Airport after a nearby fuel tank caught fire amid ongoing regional fighting.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if allies fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked during the conflict.

At the same time, Qatar has urged de-escalation while distancing itself from the conflict.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said Iran needs to “stop the attacks” on the country, while noting that Doha retains the right to respond if necessary.

(With inputs from ANI)