RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4408
ANSWERED ON – 02/04/2026
SAFETY AND ASSISTANCE FOR INDIANS IN WEST ASIA
4408. SMT. RAJATHI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the number of Indian nationals currently residing in conflict zones in Iran, Israel and Gulf countries, country-wise;
(b) the number of Indians injured or displaced since the escalation of hostilities in late February 2026, gender-wise and age-wise;
(c) the details of 24/7 helplines and emergency centers established by Indian Embassies in these regions;
(d) the details of consular assistance sought by Indians in these regions since February 28, 2026; and
(e) the status of assistance provided to Indians residing in these regions who are experiencing injury, trauma or displacement due to retaliatory missile strikes?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to e) Presently, over 1 crore Indian nationals are residing in conflict zones in West Asia and the Gulf region. Country-wise list of Indian community in these regions is attached at Annexure-I.
In the recent conflict, as per available information, 7 Indian nationals are reported as deceased (4 in Oman, 1 in Saudi Arabia, 1 in UAE and 1 in Iraq), 1 is reported missing on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman and several others have been injured in Oman, UAE, Qatar, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The injured Indian nationals include mostly males within the age group of 20-60 years.
Details of 24x7 emergency helplines established by the Indian Embassies in these regions along with the special control room set up by the Ministry of External Affairs to assist and address the queries from Indian nationals and their families are attached at Annexure-II.
The Indian Embassies and Consulates in these regions have been extending regular assistance to Indian nationals on several issues ranging from safety guidelines to emergency helplines, available travel options, medical emergencies, Board examination of Indian students, temporary arrangements of food and shelter, relocation of Indian nationals within and outside the country, cross-border movements, issuance of necessary travel documents viz. tatkal passports, emergency certificates, Police Clearance Certificates etc., guidance on expiring visas, facilitation of transit visas for adjacent countries to embark on the available flights, return to India etc. Indian Embassies and Consulates in these regions have been extending regular consular services and emergency assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals amid the prevalent situation.
The injured Indian nationals are receiving medical treatment in local hospitals. Indian Embassies and Consulates are in regular coordination with the local authorities and the hospitals for regular updates on the health condition of the injured Indians and extending all required assistance viz. establishing contact with the family members, guidance on available travel options and safe return to India etc. For assistance to deceased Indian nationals and their families in India, Indian Embassies and Consulates are in regular coordination with the concerned local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains to India.