Over 6 lakh passengers return to India amid West Asia conflict, says Govt

More than six lakh passengers have returned to India from West Asia since late February as the government ramps up efforts to ensure the safe movement of citizens amid escalating regional tensions reported news agency ANIThe update was shared by Aseem R Mahajan Additional Secretary Gulf at the Ministry of External Affairs during an interministerial briefing in the national capitalOver 624 Lakh Passengers Travelled Since February 28Mahajan stated that approximately 624000 passengers have travelled from the region to India since February 28 as the conflict involving the United States Israel and Iran continues to impact normal travel routes reported ANIHe added that airlines are operating limited nonscheduled flights between India and key West Asian destinations depending on safety and operational feasibilitySpecial Flight Operations Continue Across RegionAround 90 flights are expected to operate from the United Arab Emirates to India on Thursday alone In addition flights are continuing from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman facilitating the movement of Indian nationals reported ANIWith partial reopening of airspace Qatar Airways is expected to run 8 to 10 flights to India However airspace in Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed prompting alternative arrangements reported ANIAirlines such as Jazeera Airways and Gulf Air are operating nonscheduled flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to India helping stranded passengers from Kuwait and Bahrain reach homeAlternative Evacuation Routes ActivatedDue to ongoing airspace restrictions the government has activated multiple transit routes to assist evacuation efforts Indian nationals are being routed through Armenia and Azerbaijan from Iran through Egypt and Jordan from Israel and via Jordan and Saudi Arabia from Iraq reported ANIPassengers from Kuwait and Bahrain are also being moved through Saudi Arabia to access outbound flights to IndiaIndian National Injured in UAE IncidentProviding an update on a recent incident Mahajan confirmed that an Indian national was injured in Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates after debris from an intercepted drone fell near an industrial area reported ANIThe injured individual is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital and the Indian consulate is extending all necessary assistanceGovernment Monitoring Situation CloselyThe Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia A dedicated control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families reported ANIIndian missions and diplomatic posts across the region are functioning round the clock providing regular updates and support to citizens including students workers seafarers and residentsSafety of Indian Community Top PriorityOfficials reiterated that ensuring the safety security and welfare of the Indian community in the region remains the governmentrsquos top priority With the conflict entering its second month authorities continue to adapt evacuation strategies and flight operations based on the changing security environment reported ANIFurther measures may be introduced depending on how the situation develops in the coming daysWith inputs from ANI