MEA: Over 9 lakh Indians returned from West Asia since February 28

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday informed that over nine lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since February 28.

In view of the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India is closely monitoring developments and undertaking coordinated measures to ensure preparedness across critical sectors.

Advertisement

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital on recent developments in West Asia, Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R Mahajan, said, “The Government continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region and since 28 February, around 9 lakh 27 thousand passengers have travelled from the region to India.”

“Around 100 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India today. Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. With the Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around eight to 10 flights to India today,” he said.

Mahajan further informed that Bahrain’s airspace is open. “Gulf Air has announced that it plans to commence limited flight operations from Bahrain to India. Gulf Air is currently operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to various destinations across India. We continue to facilitate the travel of Indian nationals from Bahrain, through Saudi Arabia, to India,” he said.

Mahajan said India’s Embassy in Tehran has so far facilitated the movement of 2, 230 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. ”This includes 987 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen,” he said.