Indian Missions Working in ‘Mission Mode’ to Evacuate Citizens from War-Affected Regions

18th March, New Delhi– Amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, the Government of India and Indian missions abroad are actively engaged in efforts to safely evacuate Indian citizens. Multiple alternative routes are being used to facilitate their return.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 244,000 Indians have returned safely to the country since the conflict began on February 28. To bring back those stranded in war-affected areas, the Indian government is maintaining close contact with top leadership across West Asia and the Middle East, while Indian missions overseas are operating fully in “mission mode.”

Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on March 17, said that approximately 700 Indian nationals have reached Armenia and Azerbaijan via land routes from Iran, from where they are returning to India. He added, “All 284 pilgrims who had gone to Iran have also safely reached Armenia. Out of these, 130 pilgrims will arrive in Delhi today.” Spokesperson Jaiswal noted that the MEA’s control room is fully operational and assisting citizens, and that the volume of incoming calls and emails has significantly decreased.

The Indian Embassy in Doha has facilitated the evacuation of more than 1,600 Indians through Qatar Airways flights. It also informed that temporary transit visa facilities for Saudi Arabia are being provided, helping those who wish to return to India via land through the Salwa border. The embassy stated that its office will remain open throughout the week to offer consular services, including passport issuance.

Additionally, in a post on X, the embassy said that as part of ongoing relief efforts supported by the mission, dry ration is being distributed to members of the Indian fishing community residing in Qatar.

Further, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem R. Mahajan, stated in a press briefing, “Indian missions in the region are working round the clock. On March 16, around 65 flights operated from the UAE to India, and about 70 flights are expected on Tuesday. Flights from Oman to various destinations in India are also continuing.”