LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2099
ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025
INDIANS IN CONFLICT REGIONS
2099. SHRI ZIA UR REHMAN
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) whether the Government has reviewed the current condition of Indian nationals in conflict-affected regions across the world, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the steps being taken to ensure their safety and evacuation wherever required; and
(c) whether any new bilateral mechanisms are being planned to strengthen protection for overseas Indians, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a & b) The Government closely monitors emerging adverse situations abroad and issues advisories, as required, to caution Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary travel, follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities and remain in touch with Indian Missions. Various communication mechanisms are in place for Indian nationals to reach Indian Missions/Posts, including email, multilingual 24x7 emergency numbers, social media, toll-free helplines & WhatsApp numbers.
In the event of adverse and emergent situations abroad, the Government undertakes evacuation operations in coordination with all relevant stakeholders. With a view to swiftly responding to crisis situations faced by overseas Indian nationals, the Ministry has established a dedicated wing named the ‘Rapid Response Cell’ in 2021. During such operations, 24x7 control rooms are set up at headquarters and in Missions abroad. The Government provides comprehensive logistical support, including safe shelters, meals, local and cross-border movement and transportation through special vehicles and evacuation flights on gratis basis.
(c) The Ministry of External Affairs remains in constant touch with its counterparts through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals. The Government has also been working towards establishing institutional mechanisms such as Migration and Mobility Partnerships (MMPAs), Labour Mobility and Labour Welfare Agreement with destination countries. These Agreements/MoUs, inter-alia, seek to protect labour rights. MMPAs have been signed with Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and UK and Labour Mobility Agreements have been signed with Japan, Portugal, Taiwan, Mauritius, Malaysia and Israel. The Government is engaged in negotiations for concluding similar agreements/MOUs with other identified countries like Greece, Switzerland etc. Additionally, Labour and Manpower Cooperation Agreements are also in place with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan, that provide overarching framework for cooperation on labour and manpower issues. Recognizing the vulnerability of certain migrant groups, especially Domestic Sector Workers (DSWs) and female workers, the Government has implemented specific protective measures. Separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Agreements with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait outline safeguards for domestic workers. Further, with a view to prevent dual social security contributions and ensure portability of benefits for workers, the Ministry has already signed Bilateral Social Security Agreements with countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, The Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, Norway etc., and is negotiating with many other countries.
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