( Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary during inter – ministerial briefing)
*Around 2,20,000 passengers returned from the West Asia and Gulf region to India since February 28th
*Domestic LPG production increases by 36 %
TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 16 MARCH 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs provided an update on the status of Indian nationals in the region and informed that Indian Missions remain in close contact with the Indian community. It said:
The Government of India continues to closely monitor the situation concerning Indian nationals in Iran, with their safety and well-being remaining the highest priority. Over 550 Indian nationals in Iran have crossed into Armenia through the land border with facilitation from the Embassy of India in Tehran, while over 90 nationals have also crossed into Azerbaijan.
The Embassy of India in Tehran remains fully operational.
Over the last few days, they have relocated Indian students from locations outside Tehran to safer places within Iran.
The Government remains in contact with companies employing Indian seafarers and members of the fishing community in Iran to ensure their safety, and all Indian nationals have been advised to follow Embassy advisories.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The safety, well-being and security of the Indian community remain the Government’s highest priority.
A special MEA control room remains operational to address queries from Indian nationals and their families, while coordination continues with State Governments and Union Territories.
Indian Missions and Posts across the region continue to operate 24×7 helplines, maintain contact with Indian community organisations and issue updated advisories.
Missions remain in close touch with local authorities and are extending assistance to stranded Indians and short-term visitors, including visa support, logistical assistance and transit facilitation. Coordination is also underway with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to assist Indian seafarers in the region.
Since 28 February 2026, around 2,20,000 passengers have returned from the West Asia and Gulf region to India.
In the UAE, flight operations from Dubai International Airport are gradually resuming after temporary suspension earlier today.
Limited flights by Indian and UAE carriers are also operating from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. As per available information, more than 45 flights are planned for various destinations in India today.
Passengers are advised to check with airlines for updated schedules and may contact the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai through 24×7 helplines for assistance.
Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India.
Qatar airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways expected to operate 3 flights to India, today and tomorrow.
Kuwait airspace has remained closed since 28 February 2026. Special non-scheduled commercial flights by Jazeera Airways are expected to operate to India from Al Qaisumah International Airport in Saudi Arabia.
For Indian nationals in Bahrain and Iraq, where airspace remains closed, transit through Saudi Arabia continues to be facilitated.
Following the attack in Sohar city in Oman on 13 March 2026 in which two Indian nationals lost their lives, the Embassy of India in Muscat remains in contact with the families and concerned Omani authorities. Repatriation of the mortal remains is expected shortly. The Embassy is also monitoring the condition of the injured Indian nationals, none of whom are critically injured.
The Mission team in Basra continues to assist the 15 Indian crew members of Safesea Vishnu who were safely evacuated and are currently staying in a hotel in Basra. The Mission is coordinating with Iraqi authorities for their early return to India and for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national.
The Government reiterated that it continues to monitor developments in West Asia and maintain coordination among the concerned Ministries and agencies. Necessary steps are being taken to ensure preparedness across key sectors and safeguard national interests.
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