As airspace closures and flight cancellations disrupt travel across parts of West Asia, Karnataka has urged the Center to prepare for possible evacuations and step up diplomatic efforts to protect Indians trapped in the unrest, including about 100 from the state who are stranded in the UAE and nine in Bahrain.
In a letter to Narendra Modi on Monday, Prime Minister Siddaramaiah called for preparedness for the evacuation, stronger engagement through Indian missions abroad and establishment of an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism to respond to the crisis.
“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,” Siddaramaiah wrote.
Referring to warnings issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and notices to pilots announced by several West Asian countries, he said large numbers of Indian citizens were stranded, especially in major transit hubs like the UAE, including Dubai. The Prime Minister urged the Center to strengthen diplomatic outreach through Indian embassies and consulates to ensure continuous monitoring, protection and guidance of Kannadigas and other Indians in the affected areas.
He also sought to prepare to begin priority evacuations or special repatriation flights if circumstances require, in order to facilitate the safe and timely return of stranded citizens. To simplify coordination, Siddaramaiah proposed setting up an inter-ministerial task force linking the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, state governments and airline operators.
In addition, he requested the establishment of a central digital mechanism for registration and tracking, along with the dissemination of real-time advice to the families of those stranded. He called for directing airlines to provide flexibility in travel schedules, waive additional fees, and provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary.
The Office of the Chief Secretary has separately written to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking urgent coordination to protect Kannadigas and explore appropriate repatriation procedures, Siddaramaiah said. “The Karnataka government affirms its full cooperation in all efforts made in this regard,” he added.
On social media platform “Our teams are in constant contact to verify details and provide assistance,” he said.
“I am closely monitoring the evolving situation in parts of the Middle East following the recent escalation of tensions. The safety and well-being of every Kannadiga abroad is our top priority,” he wrote. Addressing the residents of the affected area, he added: “To our brothers and sisters in the affected area – please remain calm and follow the advice issued by local authorities and Indian embassies strictly. Register with the concerned embassy/consulate through the helpline numbers shared in the press release. Our teams are collecting requests and providing all possible support.”
The Karnataka government has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and all district emergency operations centers for round-the-clock operation. According to the Prime Minister, the state is in constant coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Indian embassies and consulates. He said that senior nodal officers have been appointed for immediate liaison with the Union authorities to ensure smooth cooperation.
Citing the latest Civil Aviation Ministry guidelines, he said the airspace over Iran, Israel, Lebanon, parts of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar has been closed until March 2.
“Due to the disruption in air travel, a large number of passengers from various countries, including Karnataka, are stranded in the war-torn countries of the Middle East, especially the UAE. As per the directions of the Prime Minister and the Revenue Minister, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operation Centers (DEOCs) have been fully activated. They are working 24/7 to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance.”
He added that the Indian Petroleum Operations Committee and the Indian Oil Operations Committee are constantly updating the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies in the countries concerned. He added that the team has been activated at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi by the state Resident Commissioner for coordination. Helpline numbers and guidelines of embassies and consulates have been circulated to the district headquarters and disseminated widely through official social media channels for public awareness.
