India

Thousands of Indians stranded amid escalating US-Iran conflict; government steps up efforts to safeguard nationals

From students in Iranian universities to passengers stranded at Gulf airports, the unfolding conflict has directly impacted thousands of Indians.

Statesman News Service | New Delhi | March 1, 2026 4:29 pm

Thousands of Indians stranded amid escalating US-Iran conflict; government steps up efforts to safeguard nationals

Thousands of Indians stuck in conflict areas; Government ramps up to safeguard nationals. (ANI)

As tensions escalate in West Asia following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, anxiety is mounting among Indian families with loved ones in the region. From students in Iranian universities to passengers stranded at Gulf airports, the unfolding conflict has directly impacted thousands of Indians, prompting urgent diplomatic and administrative action from the Government of India for a safe evacuation of Indian nationals.

Here’s a detailed look at who is affected by the unfolding situation and the steps India is taking to ensure their safety:

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1,200 Kashmiri students stranded in Iran

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), nearly 3,000 Indian students are currently in Iran, of whom around 2,000 are from the Kashmir Valley. Approximately 1,100–1,200 Kashmiri students are said to be directly linked with the association.

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JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate evacuation of students from affected areas. He urged the government to open diplomatic channels with Iranian authorities and launch a full-fledged evacuation operation.

Over 100 MP citizens stranded in Dubai, Sharjah airports

More than 100 citizens from Madhya Pradesh are stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports after flights were cancelled due to airspace disruptions. Air India Express flights IX255 (Indore–Sharjah) and IX256 (Sharjah–Indore) were cancelled, leaving passengers stranded for several hours.

State Congress chief Jitu Patwari appealed to Prime Minister Modi to arrange safe passage for the return of all passengers to their homeland. Patwari shared a post on his social media handle X and wrote, “More than 100 citizens of Madhya Pradesh are stranded at Dubai and Sharjah airports due to the Israel-Iran war. Women, children, and family members have been inconvenienced for several hours, and their anxiety has increased after the cancellation of their flights.”

32 individuals from Ballari, Karnataka are presently stranded in Dubai

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that 32 individuals from Ballari are currently stranded in Dubai.

In a statement, he said the state government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and has initiated consultations with the Resident Commissioner in New Delhi. He directed officials to take proactive steps to safeguard Kannadigas residing in the Middle East, including Israel, the UAE, Iran, and Qatar. 

‘Praying to Allah’: Lucknow family awaits news of son’s safety in Iran

Aamir Abbas Zaidi, a resident of Lucknow, has expressed deep concern for his son, who underwent open-heart surgery in Iran just days before the strikes. With communication networks disrupted, he has struggled to get regular updates.

Aamir Abbas Zaidi, while speaking to ANI, said, “My son underwent open heart surgery in Iran eight days ago… I tried to contact my son, but the network is down there, so I couldn’t. I spoke to my son last night. He said the situation is not good…We are praying to Allah that he remains safe…”

GoI mounts coordinated diplomatic efforts to bring back stranded Indians

  • EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Gulf leaders, stresses safety of Indian Community

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his counterparts from several Gulf countries amid rising tensions in West Asia, stressing the need for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.

He said India is concerned about the escalating situation and highlighted the country’s strong interest in regional peace and the safety of the Indian community living in the region.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Just spoke to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, FM of Saudi Arabia. Exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf. Underlined India’s stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of Indian community.”

“Spoke with Kuwait FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He briefed on the latest situation in Kuwait. Underlined India’s concern at the escalation. Value his reassurance for the welfare of the Indian community,” in another post, he said.

Also, he said he was assured by Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Qatar’s PM and FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and UAE’s DPM and FM Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that the Indian community’s safety and welfare would be protected.

  • Civil Aviation Ministry sets up 24×7 Passenger Assistance Control Room

Today, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up a 24×7 Passenger Assistance Control Room to review preparedness in view of the evolving airspace restrictions over Iran and parts of the Middle East.

Also, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory for foreign nationals in India, asking those affected by disrupted travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for visa extension or regularisation.

India has also been issuing separate safety and travel advisories for its own citizens in the region.

Earlier on Saturday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent safety advisory to all Indian air operators, warning of heightened risks to civil aviation in the Middle East and Persian Gulf airspace following a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The advisory was issued on Saturday after a review of the Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB No.: 2026-03) published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). It cautioned that recent military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran have created a high-risk operating environment for civil aircraft.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an urgent advisory for all Indian nationals to leave Iran immediately via available commercial flights or other transport due to the escalating security situation. The advisory applies to students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists.

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