Addressing a public meeting in Ernakulam, Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given full assurance of security to Indians amid the ongoing tension in the Gulf countries. He said that today’s India does not leave its people in trouble and the government is putting all its efforts to rescue the citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also informed the Parliament that the situation in the Gulf region has worsened, which is directly affecting the security of about one crore Indians living there. PM Modi also targeted Congress for making inflammatory statements and doing politics on this serious issue.
Latest updates on flights and evacuation
Due to increasing tension in West Asia, the Indian government has intensified the rescue work. About 67,000 Indian citizens have been evacuated safely since 28 February 2026. After partial opening of airspace, 52,000 people have returned to India between March 1 and 7. Apart from this, more than 1,000 Indians stranded in Doha have been brought back through Qatar Airways in the last 72 hours.
For the safety of passengers, Air India and Air India Express have prepared a schedule of 58 special flights for March 11. Due to security reasons, the travel of about 300 construction workers from Uttar Pradesh to Israel has also been stopped till March 21. According to government figures, two Indian sailors have died and one person is missing during the attack on merchant shipping in this conflict.
Strict warning for those living in UAE
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a strict advisory for Indians living in UAE. Under this, a complete ban has been imposed on making videos of any incident site, restricted area or airport and a warning has been given of strict legal action if the rules are broken. Recently, four people have been injured in a drone falling incident near Dubai Airport, including an Indian citizen.
Keeping in view the safety of students, CBSE Class 12 examinations to be held between March 9 and 11 in the affected areas have been postponed. A 24/7 special control room and helpline has been started in New Delhi and all embassies for help in case of any emergency.
Change in rules for gas cylinder booking
Keeping in view the supply concerns, new rules for refilling LPG cylinders have also emerged. Single cylinder customers will now be able to book their refill only after 25 days instead of 21 days. At the same time, customers using double cylinders will now have to wait for at least 30 days for refill.