New Delhi, India, said on Saturday that it is constantly monitoring the development of the situation in West Asia, especially in the context of the safety of its citizens stranded in the region.
In a late-night statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that more than 52,000 Indians have returned to the country following the partial opening of airspace across the region.
It also urged all Indian citizens in the region to follow the guidelines of local authorities and guidelines issued by Indian missions.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that the safety and well-being of Indian citizens abroad is a top priority for the government and it will remain engaged with governments across the region to work to facilitate all those in need of assistance.
The security situation in West Asia remains precarious as the United States and Israel continue their bombing of Iranian targets while Tehran retaliates with strikes against Israeli sites and US military bases across the region.
“The Government of India is constantly monitoring the developments in the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, especially with regard to the well-being of Indian citizens stranded there during transit or on short-term visits,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
“We advise all Indian citizens in the area to follow the guidelines of the local authorities as well as the guidelines issued by the Indian embassy or consulate in their locations,” she added.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions in the region have issued detailed warnings and set up 24/7 helplines to help Indians.
“Following the partial opening of airspace across the region in the last few days, Indian and foreign airlines are operating commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers who were in transit or on short-term visits in these countries,” the MEA said.
“So far, more than 52,000 Indians have benefited from these flights and traveled safely from the Gulf region to India from March 1 to 7, of which 32,107 traveled on Indian airlines. More flights are scheduled in the coming days,” she added.
“In those countries where commercial flight operations are not available, Indian citizens are advised to contact the relevant embassy/consulate for information and advice on the nearest commercial flight options available,” the MEA said.
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