New Delhi, April 25 (IANS). The government on Saturday said around 12.65 lakh passengers from the Gulf and West Asia region have traveled to India since February 28.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely monitoring the developments in the region, with special attention being paid to the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community.
Indian missions and posts in the Gulf and West Asia are running 24-hour helplines and actively assisting citizens while being in constant touch with the local governments.
The government has been issuing regular advisories to Indian citizens to keep them informed about local regulations, travel updates and available consular services.
Missions are also engaging with Indian community groups, companies and professional organizations to ensure that timely assistance reaches those in need.
Flight operations between India and the region are gradually improving, and additional services are being introduced.
In the UAE, airlines are operating limited commercial flights due to safety concerns; Around 110 flights are expected to operate between the UAE and India on Saturday.
Services are also continuing from Saudi Arabia and Oman, while Qatar Airways has resumed flights following the partial reopening of Qatar’s airspace.
Air connectivity to other parts of the region is also increasing. Kuwait and Bahrain have reopened their airspace, and airlines are either resuming or planning limited flights to India.
Iraq is allowing limited flight services that can be used for onward travel, while Iran has partially opened its airspace for cargo and chartered flights.
The government has advised Indian citizens not to travel to Iran and urged those who are currently there to exit the country through land borders with the assistance of the Indian Embassy in Tehran, which has already helped over 2,400 Indians leave the country.
Meanwhile, Israel has resumed limited flight operations, providing additional routes for travel to India via connecting destinations.
On the maritime front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of Indian ships and sailors operating in the region.
The central government said there have been no reports of any incidents involving Indian-flagged ships in the last 24 hours, and all Indian seafarers in the area are safe.
–IANS
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