![]()
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3130
ANSWERED ON 19/03/2026
SAFETY OF INDIANS IN MIDDLE EAST
3130. SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA
DR. JOHN BRITTAS
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
a) the number of Indian nationals presently residing in West Asian countries, including Israel, Iran, Iraq and the Gulf region;
b) Whether any Indian nationals have been affected, stranded or displaced due to the prevailing security situation, in view of the ongoing hostilities involving Israel, the United States and Iran;
c) The advisories and contingency measures, including evacuation plans, activated by the Government; and
d) Steps taken to ensure the safety and protection of Indian citizens in the region?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a & b) Presently, more than 1 crore Indian nationals are residing in countries in West Asia and the Gulf region. In the recent conflict, as per available information, 5 Indian nationals are reported as deceased (4 in Oman and 1 in Iraq); 25 Indian nationals are reported as injured (17 in UAE, 5 in Oman, and 1 each in Qatar, Israel and Saudi Arabia); and, 1 Indian national is reported as missing (on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman).
(c & d) The Government has issued regular advisories for Indian nationals in the region to provide information on the evolving situation and the available travel options, as well as guidance on following the safety guidelines of the local authorities and information on contacting the Indian Embassy/Consulate for assistance. These advisories are disseminated widely, including on social media platforms. Indian Embassies and Consulates in the region have set up 24x7 emergency helpline numbers to assist Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a dedicated Special Control Room to monitor the situation, respond to queries from the affected Indian nationals and their families, and for real-time coordination with Indian Embassies and Consulates for emergency cases. Till 13 March 2026, the Special Control Room has addressed 939 phone calls and 195 emails. Details of the helplines are attached at Annexure-I
.
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassies and Consulates in the region have been coordinating closely with the respective local authorities in the impacted countries, as well as with our Ministry of Civil Aviation, to facilitate the return to India of passengers who were stranded in the region and those who were visiting those countries on short-term visas. Upon partial opening of airspace across the region, Government has facilitated a number of commercial flights, including non-scheduled operations, for the return of Indian passengers. In those countries where commercial flight operations are not yet available, Indian nationals are being facilitated to obtain transit visa and travel to adjacent countries for embarking on available flights.
The Government remains committed to the safety and security of the Indian nationals residing in West Asia and the Gulf region and is undertaking all possible measures to ensure their well-being.
*****