Several Indians are working in the Gulf region, which is now facing the heat of the US-Israel-Iran war, which has been ongoing for around a fortnight now. As the conflict in West Asia intensifies, the Indian government has revealed that nearly 1.3 lakh Indian nationals have returned home since the crisis escalated, while also confirming the deaths of two Indians in Oman after debris from a downed drone struck an industrial area.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared the latest situation during an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, highlighting both the scale of evacuation efforts and the challenges faced by Indians across the region as the war enters its second week.
West Asia conflict: 1.3 lakh Indians have returned since crisis began
Providing an update on the movement of Indian nationals, Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA, said that around 130,000 Indians have already returned to India since February 28, when tensions sharply escalated in the region.
The large-scale return reflects growing concerns among Indian citizens living in Gulf countries as airspace disruptions, shipping risks and military strikes continue across West Asia.
Mahajan also provided updates on the flight and airspace situation across Gulf countries, noting that travel options are gradually stabilising in several locations. Regular and non-scheduled commercial flights are operating, and flight availability has improved in the UAE.
From Qatar, around 2,900 Indians have returned in recent days, mainly on Qatar Airways flights, with additional flights expected. The Saudi airspace remains open, with Air India Express and IndiGo resuming flights from Riyadh, alongside regular services from Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam.
In Bahrain, Gulf Air flights from Dammam are transporting Indian nationals to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, with over 1,000 Indians returning so far. The MEA further shared that the local airspace in Kuwait is shut, but Jazeera Airways is operating flights from Saudi Arabia’s AQI airport, with services to India expected soon.
Iraq airspace also remains closed, but authorities are facilitating travel for Indians through Saudi Arabia.
Indians killed in drone incident in Oman
Amid the escalating conflict, two Indian nationals were killed on Friday in Sohar city in Oman after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial zone. According to the MEA, ten other Indians were injured in the incident. Mahajan expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the Indian mission in Muscat is closely coordinating with authorities.
“I wish to share an incident which happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. In this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families,” he said.
Of the injured, 5 have already been discharged from hospital, 5 others remain under treatment, none are reported to have serious injuries. The Indian embassy in Oman is working with the concerned company and local authorities to provide assistance and support to affected nationals.
According to regional media reports, the incident occurred after a drone was intercepted and shot down over Sohar province, with debris falling in the Al-Awahi industrial area.
Indian seafarers rescued after ship attack
The MEA also shared an update on the merchant vessel Safesea Vishnu, which came under attack near Basra in Iraq on March 9. Mahajan confirmed that all 15 crew members have been safely evacuated.
“They are currently staying at a hotel in Basra. Efforts are underway to transport the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national and ensure the safe repatriation of the rescued seafarers,” he said. Officials from the Indian mission are present in Basra to assist the crew and coordinate their return to India.
With millions of Indians living and working across the Gulf and West Asia, the Indian government continues to closely monitor the situation.