Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take quick action to protect Kannadigas and other Indian citizens affected by the escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
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In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, the Karnataka Chief Minister expressed concern over the impact of recent airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued by several West Asian countries, which have disrupted international flight operations. He noted that these developments have left a large number of Kannadigas and other Indians stranded, especially in major transit hubs like the UAE (Dubai).
“As per the recent advisories issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, several countries across West Asia have announced airspace restrictions and NOTAMs, resulting in major disruption to international flight operations. These developments have left a large number of Kannadigas and other Indian nationals stranded, especially in major transit hubs like UAE (Dubai),” it said.
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“The evolving security environment, including hostilities and closure of civilian airspace, has generated widespread uncertainty and distress among affected individuals and their families in Karnataka and across India,” the Prime Minister noted.
He added that the Office of the Chief Secretary has already coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs to protect Indian citizens and explore repatriation procedures, while the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been asked to work with airlines for flexible rescheduling, sanctions waivers, and temporary support for stranded passengers.
Siddaramaiah suggested five key measures for the Government of India to consider in his letter, including enhanced diplomatic outreach, a repatriation preparedness framework, a dedicated national coordination mechanism, an integrated registration and information system, and passenger protection protocols.
“Strengthening diplomatic outreach: Enhancing engagement through Indian embassies and consulates to ensure continuous monitoring, protection and guidance of Kannadiga and other Indian nationals in affected areas. Repatriation Preparedness Framework: Preparing to initiate priority evacuations or special repatriation flights, if circumstances warrant, to facilitate safe and timely repatriation of stranded citizens,” the letter said.
Siddaramaiah added that the Karnataka government has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and all district centers to work round the clock and liaise with Union authorities, ensuring timely assistance to stranded citizens.
He further stressed that “West Asia’s vibrant Indian diaspora, including thousands of Kannadigas, has long contributed to our country’s economic strength and global engagement. At this critical juncture, a rapid, coordinated and compassionate national response will not only protect lives, but also underscore the Republic of India’s steadfast commitment to every Kannadiga and every Indian citizen, wherever they may be.”
Siddaramaiah concluded the letter by emphasizing that “the Karnataka government will fully cooperate in all efforts in this regard.”
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On the other hand, the latest wave of Iranian strikes and counterattacks comes in the wake of a large-scale conflict that broke out in the Middle East and involved the United States, Israel and Iran, after a major “military offensive” that began on February 28.
In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Visiting Lion, US and Israeli forces conducted large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, missile batteries, and command complexes.
Al Jazeera indicated that amid increasing human losses and large-scale strikes, world leaders and international bodies are pressing for an urgent halt to the escalation to prevent a broader regional war, although the conflict shows no immediate signs of abating.
